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Acting Commissioner Leroy Brumell told a Thursday press conference, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, that they are always concerned when any rank dies but they have greater interest in those who die violently in the line of duty. He was, at the time, asked why Constable Dorwin Pitman, who collapsed and died of cardiac arrest while pursuing a prisoner fleeing from Prashad Nagar Police Outpost on June 8 was not listed as a ‘fallen hero’. Mother of the deceased, Stacy Pitman was invited to the wreath-laying ceremony for ranks at the Fallen Heroes Monument but her son’s name was not called. The woman was disappointed and has since voiced her dissatisfaction over why she was invited.
However, Brumell pointed out that they have apologised to her over the mistake which was made when the invitation was sent.
As to whether any consideration will be given to listing Pitman as a ‘fallen hero’ in future, he said there is a benevolent fund through which assistance is given to families of ranks killed in the line of duty to help with burials etc.
Not attacked
Brumell said, in Pitman’s case, he was not attacked but died from heart failure while the other ranks who were honoured had been ambushed and killed while going to work.
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said there are clear distinctions for persons dying in the line of duty to meet certain criteria.
He explained that there are also benefits for members of the GPF who pass away due to natural causes.
The Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) said, in the case of Detective Constable Jirbahan Dianand, they are yet to make a pronouncement, as, up to now, they cannot determine whether he was killed in the line of duty. He said: “We are not saying it is not so but we do not know.”
About 05:30 hrs on November 22, 2012, the body of Dianand, 23, was found in his motor car, PHH 6528, on the public road at Jackson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, with gunshot wounds. He had been stationed at the Moleson Creek Police Outpost and attached to the Narcotics Section.
The two top GPF officers were also questioned about Constables Ledon Aaron and Marlon Letlow, who were killed in the interior in 2012 and were among the honoured even though they were, allegedly, involved in illegal activities leading up to their death. Both Brumell and Persaud confirmed that the policemen were murdered while working and they died violently and the person (s) responsible have not come forward to assist the police investigations.
