POLICE commissioner Lucius Thomas headed hundreds of mourners who attended Sunday’s memorial service for former Police Federation chairman deputy superintendent Stanley George Dooley, at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston.

Dooley, who battled kidney failure for many years, lost the fight earlier this month.

He was 52 years old.

Thomas remembered the former detective, who served the Special Branch throughout his 31-year career, as an outspoken officer who was oftentimes seen as controversial, but who was committed to serving to his country.

Dooley’s sister-in-law, Verna Morgan, read a tribute from his

widow Sarah (Sally) in which she described him as a great protector.

“He was a great family protector, a confidant and a no-nonsense father, who was resilient and positive in his ways.”

His colleagues remembered him as a disciplinarian who performed his duties with decorum and professionalism. They said he was always willing to take on additional responsibilities.

Acting deputy commissioner Linval Bailey said Dooley was a police officer that no one could buy.

“He was a role model policeman whom no one could buy [he was] honest and true-hearted. A straightforward officer who spoke the truth without caring how anyone felt about it. And, on top of that, he was a good family man who cared for his family,” Bailey added.

In 1998 Dooley served as chairman of the Police Federation, the hard bargaining body between government and rank and file cops for salary and benefits. Prior to this appointment, he served as general secretary for that organisation.

But it was his principal contribution to the welfare of rank and file officers for which Dooley will be best remembered. He played a key role in launching the Federation Welfare Fund to assist cops with medical, funeral and disaster grants.

Federation chairman corporal Raymond Wilson eulogised Dooley as a stalwart, who served with pride and zeal, making a tremendous contribution to the federation’s mission by providing wealth and growth.

Dooley, who took early retirement from the force in 2003, is survived by wife Sally and three children.