WESTERN BUREAU: Police Inspector Rupert Gardener, who was shot dead in Montego Bay on June 10, was hailed on Saturday as a conscientious police officer, but more important, as a decent human beings who loved his family and respected his friends.

At the same time the Police Federation said that they would propose Gardener for an award for gallantry in attempting to fight off his attackers before being killed.

Gardener, 39, was murdered by gunmen while conducting business at a cambio. He was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon following a funeral service at the Calvary Baptist church.

“To everyone here that knew Dada, remember that today we are commemorating his life,” said his daugther Tisha in a remembrance. “Remember all the time he brought a smile to your faces.”

Her father, Tisha said, was “a beloved son, beloved brother, cherished husband, respected (colleague) … friend and an adored father”.

“Daddy I love you,” she said. “You will be truly missed…”

Gardener’s colleagues, like his family, remembered him as someone who was quick with a smile, but aslo as a dedicated, effective crime-fighter and one who had moved through the ranks quickly.

“To the family of inspector Rupert Gardener, I want to say thank you for producing such a wonderful human being,” said the chairman of the Police Federation, Sergeant Steve Brown. “(He was) an outstanding professional, an outstanding crime fighter, one who has led from the front and one whose life will guide those who worked with him. He has touched the life of everyone.”

Brown also argued that Gardener should posthumously be awarded for gallantry and said that the Police Federation would make representation to this effect.

“His courageous act in the face of danger made us very proud of him,” Brown said. “Like a true hero he did not go down without fighting … and the Police Federation will be writing to the powers that be that he be given the medal of gallantry posthumously.”

At about 2:30 pm on June 10 Gardener went to the Cambio at the West Gate Plaza in Montego Bay to transact business and was accosted by a gunman. A struggle ensued between them and the inspector was shot in the head. He died later at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Gardener was admitted to the JCF in 1981. In 1991 he was further promoted to the rank of corporal.

In 1998 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and by September of 2000 was promoted to inspector.

At the time of his murder earlier this month he was attached to the Montego Bay Criminal Investigation Branch.

Said Kern Spencer, the junior security minister: “He has served his country from constable to inspector and this is a major achievement. I mourn with you. And I hope that in the days ahead you will find comfort in the fact that inspector Gardener has been a true and excellent Jamaican, a patriotic Jamaican and (that) he has served his country well.”