Corporal Jermaine Cummings was a caring, fun-loving father

Life Tributes

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Special Corporal Jermaine Cummings — who was last month shot and killed outside his home in east Kingston — was laid to rest in a sombre funeral service last Sunday.

Hundreds of policemen, friends and relatives, swelled the Stadium Community Seventh Day Adventist Church, also in Kingston, to bid farewell to the man they described as caring, fun-loving, and hard-working.

Some cried openly, others discreetly, but none attempted to conceal the anger they felt at the death of their colleague.

"Jermaine had a lot to say about his plans, his dream, the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) and his life," said St George Jackson, chairman of the ISCF Association. "A life that was brutally cut short in the place he had become most complacent; his home. The animals went to kill him and they did," added Jackson, who then lashed out at human rights group Jamaicans for Justice, and their "protection" of the criminals.

"We are here mourning his passing. Where are the Jamaicans who proclaim that they are for justice?" he asked. "They are busy making plans to protect the criminals. In my mind they are no different from those who pull the trigger."

Cummings was killed when gunmen attacked him as he was about to enter his home shortly after 4:00 am on August 1.

Investigators reported that his attackers shot him several times, and that he was, however, able to return the fire, killing one of the them. The others ran.

Investigators say they are still seeking a man they identified as Chevis Hamilton of a North Street address, in relation to the killing.

During the service, screams echoed from the church walls as Cummings' colleague, Special Constable Marvin Fishley, sang in tribute.

One female relative had to be escorted from the church after she broke down openly despite being comforted by other mourners.

Cummings' nine-year-old son, Jermaine Cummings Jnr repeated the sentences: "Daddy I love you. I will always love you," about three times in tribute to his father.

Tributes were also offered by Cummings' colleagues from the police training academy, and family friends.

Cummings is the eighth police officer to be killed violently since the start of the year. He served more than 11 years in the constabulary.

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Corporal Jermaine Cummings was a caring, fun-loving father