'Don't mourn, celebrate her achievements'

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

Mourners have paid tribute to Deputy Superintendent of Police Herfa Beckford as a "consummate professional", "a woman of integrity" and "brave and dignified".

Beckford, who was the head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), died suddenly on September 19 after suffering medical complications.

During her thanksgiving service held yesterday at the Savanna-la-Mar High School auditorium in Westmoreland, she was hailed in word and song as a passionate professional who loved her family, the job and God.

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington led the mourners who included deputy commissioners Jevene Bent, Glenmore Hinds and Novelette Grant; as well as Assistant Commissioner Denver Frater, in charge of Area One, and former Commissioner Lucius Thomas.

Top-class officer

Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, in paying tribute, said Beckford was a top class police officer whose honesty and integrity was never in question.

"If the other officers in the force would follow her example, we would have a wonderful police force," he said.

For her part, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn said Beckford was a true professional who epitomised the 'Yes, You Can' attitude in speech an action before it gained international popularity through United States President Barack Obama.

"Herfa was an investigator exemplar. She left no stone unturned," Llewellyn said. "She was resourceful and competent and was one not easily intimidated or fazed. She spoke with authority and expressed it in her walk."

Beckford's son, Marcel Sinclair, in paying tribute to his mother spoke about her passion for cleanliness, excellence and her ability to dispense love with ease.

"She was a true disciplinarian. She did everything well. I don't know how I am going to move on without her," he said.

In giving the eulogy, Beckford's cousin Emily Crooks, of Nationwide fame, recounted the fun days they shared, including their forays in the Cabarita River.

To the family, she said: "Don't mourn. Celebrate her for her achievements and what she gave. She was excellent in what she did. That's your legacy, embrace it."

Big loss to jcf

In giving the sermon, secretary of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Glen Samuels said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was made poorer for her passing.

He said the JCF was facing a situation where it has been tainted by the few who lack integrity and professional ethics.

"As we say farewell to one who served at the highest level of integrity, pursuing criminal elements, the country is confronted with a dilemma as we sometimes spend more time idolising criminal elements. There are some who are hiding behind the curtains of middle-class respectability while feeding on the fruits of crime," he opined.

In May 1996, Beckford was awarded a medal of gallantry after she shot and killed one of two armed robbers during an altercation at the Windward Road Medical Clinic.