‘A’ Division police yesterday held a small farewell parade and appreciation ceremony for outgoing Commissioner Leroy Brumell at its headquarters on Brickdam.

At Brickdam, the farewell wishes were many, and all were delivered with one note: Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell was a very simple, even-handed, approachable, respectful and respected police officer; and those were the qualities that facilitated his elevation in rank to become the highest police officer in the Force.
In his speech, ‘A’ Division Commander George Vyphius recalled that it was Commissioner Brumell who had been the best man at his wedding years ago.

Vyphius said that Brumell led by example and from the front. He recalled the many combat periods where Brumell was always literally in the frontline.

Another officer who worked with Brumell told the gathering that it was Brumell who stood out during the crime wave of 2002, and who would join his ranks whenever they were required to go into the danger zone — Buxton.

In his response, CoP Brumell told his officers he is proud to be leaving the Guyana Police Force with a clean record, and one which allows him to lift his head high and walk. He said he was happy and confident that he was leaving a stable police force which would be able to stand up to any situation that comes along.

According to the Top Cop, the media reports that the Force will be left with inexperienced ranks when he and the A Division Commander retire, but that is far from the truth, because there are many capable and ambitious young men and women in the Force who can lead it to the place it needs to be, and they have been receiving training and are fully ready to lead the Force when called upon.

An official farewell parade will be held for outgoing Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell tomorrow at Eve Leary.

(By Leroy Smith)