HUNDREDS OF mourners spilled on to the grounds of the Hope United Church in St. Andrew yesterday to pay tribute to former Police Commissioner Herman Ricketts.
The official police funeral brought together friends, family, former colleagues and state representatives who in tribute praised Mr. Ricketts for his Christian principles and service to country.
Tributes came from Police Commissioner Francis Forbes, the Hope United Church where Mr. Ricketts was an elder, and friend and former colleague Hugh Thomas.
Commissioner Forbes said Mr. Ricketts rendered 40 years of sterling service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), serving his fellowmen and country with distinction.
BEACON OF INSPIRATION
"He inspired the trust and confidence of even those meeting him for the first time," Commissioner Forbes said. "Throughout his career he maintained a quiet, modest approach to all he did, which was complemented by a developed ability to listen patiently to the views of others. He was confident and poised, but with sufficient humility to attract the undivided attention of his audience."
Terry Tomlinson, secretary of the Church, said that Mr. Ricketts "believed firmly in investing in the young."
"While the JCF benefited from having a Christian among its High Command, the members of the congregation benefited from the wisdom and training of 'Brother Herman'," she said. "Brother Herman has walked with us, helped us through some rough times. He demonstrated that there is no line between our duty to God and our country."
MAN OF DIGNITY
Friend Hugh Thomas, who met Mr. Ricketts in training at the Police Academy, said that he exhibited dignity and discipline and was known for his thoroughness and professionalism.
For Reverend Ashley Smith, who delivered the sermon, Mr. Ricketts' interest, especially in the Bible story of the feeding of the 5,000, was one thing he remembered. Mr. Ricketts, he said, was particularly interested because of "his commitment to leadership in Jamaica and to development". He thought that there was never a reason to delay service because of concerns about the available resources.
Mr. Ricketts, who served as Police Commissioner from 1984 to 1990, died on June 19 after several months of illness.
As Commissioner, he initiated the process of accreditation for the JCF, resulting in the publication of the Force standing orders which are still being used as source documents on police procedures for the organisation. It was under his watch that the integration of policewomen in several sections and branches of the Force started and the patrol division of the JCF expanded.
He made major contributions to the development of the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Planning and Research Division and was integral in the initial development of the Jamaica Constabulary Staff College.
