COMMISSIONER of Police Clifton Hicken, on Sunday called on members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to honour the legacy of colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice by serving with courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Delivering the feature address at the Guyana Police Force’s 187th Anniversary Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Fallen Heroes at the Fallen But Not Forgotten Heroes Monument at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Hicken said the annual observance serves as a solemn reminder that the sacrifices of fallen police officers continue to inspire generations of ranks.
Quoting renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell, the commissioner said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself,” adding that the force’s fallen heroes exemplified that principle through their dedication to protecting the people of Guyana.
“These words capture the very essence of why we are gathered here today. They remind us that true heroism is not defined by rank, title or public recognition, but by a commitment to a cause greater than oneself,” Hicken said.
He noted that the courage to place duty above self, service above comfort and the safety of others above personal interest defines the legacy left by officers who died in the line of duty.
Reflecting on the history of the monument, Hicken explained that it was established in 2002 under the leadership of then Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis to permanently honour members of the force who lost their lives while executing their duties. Since then, the wreath-laying ceremony has become one of the most significant events on the GPF’s anniversary calendar.
The commissioner said the wreaths laid and the traditional 21-gun salute represented far more than ceremonial traditions.
“The wreaths laid today are more than ceremonial gestures. They are symbols of our gratitude and respect. The 21-gun salute reminds us that the service and sacrifice of our fallen colleagues remain forever etched in the memory of this force and this nation,” he said.
Hicken also stressed that honouring fallen officers must include continued support for the families they left behind.
“The Guyana Police Force recognises that when a rank dies in the line of duty, the loss is not borne by the force alone: it is borne by spouses, children, parents, relatives, friends and communities. For this reason, our commitment extends beyond honouring the memory of our fallen heroes; it also includes caring for those they left behind,” he said.
Highlighting the force’s welfare initiatives, the commissioner disclosed that the GPF sponsored 25 wakes and 25 funeral arrangements for members of the force during 2025. Between January and June 2026, the force also funded seven wakes and seven funeral arrangements.
He further revealed that while one police officer died in the line of duty in 2025, no officer lost his or her life in the execution of duty during the first half of 2026. The force, he added, continues to provide educational assistance for the children of fallen ranks and financial support to their beneficiaries.
Expressing appreciation to the families of deceased officers, Hicken assured them that the sacrifice of their loved ones will remain a permanent part of the Guyana Police Force’s history and heritage.
Concluding his address, the commissioner urged serving ranks to preserve that legacy through their own conduct and dedication.
“Let us serve with their courage, let us lead with their integrity and let us stand by their commitment,” Hicken said.
“Though our fallen heroes are no longer among us, their courage still marches beside us, their example still guides us and their legacy still lives in every officer who proudly serves the people of Guyana.”
