St Ann cop, murdered while assisting citizen, hailed for dedication to Jamaica

Relatives and well-wishers are today bidding farewell to Ricardo Fairclough, the police constable who was shot dead as he assisted a woman who was being robbed in St Ann in April. 

The funeral is under way at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church in the parish. 

Fairclough, who was assigned to the St Ann Divisional Operational Support Unit, was shot in the parish capital on April 15. 

It's reported that he was on Bravo Street when a man shot and injured a woman. While attempting to assist the woman, Fairclough was shot in the upper body. 

The 45-year-old police constable has been remembered as a "dedicated" and "cherished" member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which he served for 18 years.  

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake hailed Fairclough for his hard work.  

"The passing of this law enforcement practitioner has cut short his contribution to our collective effort in the fight against crime. As we mourn his passing, let us pledge, as a tribute to him, to continue to carry on the fight of reducing crime in Jamaica thereby making our communities safer," Blake said. 

He added: "To the family members, loved ones and friends of our dear departed colleague, what is lovely never dies, but passes into our loveliness. We will miss him and his memories will remain in our hearts forever."

Fairclough has also been remembered as a devoted Christian who did not shy away from spreading the Gospel. 

He was born and raised in Litchfield Trelawny. He moved to St Ann and later got married. He was the father of two children. 

-  Rochelle Clayton 

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.