POLICE Commissioner Owen Ellington has vowed to bring the killers of retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Roy Boyd to book.

Boyd was shot dead in front of his Queensborough, St Andrew, home on February 25. He was returning home from church.

His killers distracted him by enquiring if he knew of any premises for rent in the area as he was about to open his gate. Boyd was shot in the head multiple times and died on the spot. His killers stole his licensed firearm before speeding away from the scene.

A thanksgiving service in honour of his life was held at the Covenant Moravian Church at Molynes Road in St Andrew last week Thursday.

"We are dedicated to finding his killers quickly. We are closer to them with every passing minute," Ellington said as he paid tribute to his fallen colleague.

Superintendent Michael Phipps — who heads the Major Investigative Task Force, the police division responsible for probing gun murders — told the Jamaica Observer that the investigation into Boyd's brazen murder was progressing at a steady pace.

"We are gaining ground and may make a breakthrough soon," Phipps said.

Affectionately called 'Denzil', Boyd was remembered as a dedicated police officer and family man whose service to his country was exemplary.

The pews of the church were filled to capacity as were the 500 extra seats that were placed in the churchyard.

However, mourners kept pouring in and many senior and retired cops, well over 300 of them, stood outside — unfazed by the light drizzle — to pay tribute to a man they hailed as an outstanding Jamaican.

"Denzil is smiling where he is now because he died doing what he did best, helping others," Ellington said.

Boyd joined the ranks of the constabulary in July 1974 and was assigned to every Corporate Area police division, the Police Academy, the Special Anti-Crime Task Force, the Freeport Police Station in St James, the Criminal Investigation Branch, the operations portfolio, and St Catherine South.

He was awarded a medal of honour for meritorious service in 2005 and was also the recipient of seven commendations from the constabulary.

"My father was very passionate about his job but despite his busy schedule he always found time for his family," Boyd's son Rohan recalled as he delivered the eulogy.