DETECTIVE Inspector Michael Grant tried hard to hold back the tears after he was named Lasco Top Cop of the Year, during a ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, yesterday.

Grant, who was unemployed after leaving school, and not wanting to turn to a life of criminality, left the Kingston inner-city community of Tavares Gardens, popularly known as Payne Land, more than 20 years ago and enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

“I was just an average inner-city youth,” Grant said after collecting his prize yesterday. “To the people of Payne Avenue, I pay tribute. It takes a village to raise a child.”

Grant, who is presently in charge of the fingerprint branch of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, was awarded a cash prize of $100,000 for topping the competition.

The former Wolmer’s past student also paid tribute to his grandmother.

“I would like to thank my late grandmother for introducing me to the bible at an early age and teaching me the value of speaking the truth,” Grant said.

The Lasco Top Cop award, which is now in its fifth year, is given to a police officer who has shown exemplary service in community-based policing.

Grant was chosen from a field of 27 police officers, ranging from the rank of constable to inspector.

Olympian Donald Quarrie, who gave the keynote address, urged the public to provide greater support to the police in their fight against crime and violence.

“If we turn our backs on the police, who else are we going to turn to?” Quarrie asked.

Quarrie, whose father served in the police force for over 30 years, also urged the police to get more involved in community affairs.

“The more involved you are in your communities then the better position you are in to serve,” Quarrie said.

Inspector Errol Thompson, of the Newport police in Manchester, was awarded the runner-up spot for the Top Cop award. He collected $50,000 and a basket of Lasco products for his efforts.