SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — A thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of the late police officer Augustus Stanley, affectionately called “Mancel,” “Gussie,” “Serge,” and Gustan,” was held at the Santa Cruz Seventh Day Adventist Church on February 21.

Scores of mourners from near and far came out to say farewell to a father, grandfather, husband, protector, community leader and churchman who was a policeman for over 41 years.

There was a large turnout from the Jamaica Constabulary Force led by former commandant of the St Elizabeth police, Superintendent Howard Francis.

Stanley, a retired sergeant, who was well known for his big, strong, rustic voice, died at his home in Santa Cruz, on February 5, following a long struggle with kidney problems.

Born October 1, 1948, at Keith district, St. Ann, Stanley was the last of three children for Pearline James and Alonzo Stanley.

He received his primary education at Keith All Age School, and was the lucky one of three children to continue schooling, as his parents could not afford to send him, his brother and sister to school. He would later win a scholarship to the Dinthill Technical High School where exposure to the cadet force spiked his interest in the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Stanley’s dream of becoming a policeman was realised shortly after leaving school.

On completing his training, he was posted in Mandeville in 1969. In subsequent years he worked in Kingston, St Ann, Trelawny, St James and St Elizabeth where he made his home.

In May 1973, Stanley married Patricia Graham who described her late husband as loving and caring. The union produced three children, Nicole, Rehka and Damian.

Stanley’s passing also left six grandchildren to mourn.

Stanley’s community involvement led him to the Kiwanis club of Santa Cruz. He became president in 1995 and was re-elected the following year. As president, he led the way in the implementation of several projects.

Eulogist, Stanley’s niece Dr Sonjah Stanley-Niah, described her uncle as “the consummate father, provider, and husband.”

“The one thing that was supremely clear about (Stanley), was how much he cared for his family, especially his children’s education,” she said.

Member of Parliament and long-time friend Roger Clarke, described Stanley as an extraordinary human being.

“He was not just a policeman, he was the people’s policeman, he was the quintessential community person involving himself in anything to uplift his community,” Clarke said.

Inspector Lowie Brown of the St Elizabeth police hailed Stanley not only for his qualities as a policeman but as the best Land Rover driver he had ever seen.