The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to benefit from the service of members who uphold the principles governing the organisation, performing their duties with responsibility and integrity.

One such member is Inspector Ralph Medley, 53, a native of St Elizabeth, who has given approximately 35 years to the force. He was recently singled out by the St James Parish Council and presented with the 2013 Sam Sharpe Award for outstanding service to the parish of St James in the area of National Security.

“I appreciate this award very much and will never forget it. I want to thank the members of the Council and also members of the Force who supported me, as well as the members of the public for their support over these many years. Sam Sharpe has been one of my favourite (National) Heroes and I was proud to have been the recipient of such a prestigious award,” Inspector Medley said.

He said that his admiration for the late National Hero was grounded in the efficient way in which he led a ‘holy war’ against the British, which was well coordinated. Modern communication, he added, is no match for what was used by Sam Sharpe and his associates.

“The actions of Sam Sharpe hastened the way for the liberation struggles in Jamaica and eventually brought about the independence of a number of countries,” Medley noted.

His educational development began at Glen Stewart Primary School in St Elizabeth, then on to Maggotty Secondary School, from where he went to Anchovy Secondary School (now Anchovy High School) in St James. He then went back to Maggotty Secondary (now Maggotty High) where he graduated and shortly after, entered the teaching profession. He taught in the electrical technology department at that school for two years.

Inspector Medley migrated to St James over 40 years ago and is proud of his service in a number of areas, including telecommunications, special operations, parades, ceremonial and circuit court activities.

He has been involved in a number of special operations and has represented the JCF in the Cuban Friendship Association and also assisted in organising scholarships for the children of police officers in Jamaica and abroad.

Inspector Medley also sought and acquired assistance for members of the police force in optical cases and also in having major surgeries done.

He is actively involved in the Inspectors Branch Board of the Police Federation, the Cuban Friendship Association and the Police Civic Committee in St James.

Inspector Medley spoke glowingly of his early upbringing and of his Jamaican father, a strict disciplinarian, and his mother, a Cuban national. He attributes his success to his deep respect for order and decency, instilled in him by his father.

He said that his first love was the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and made his application for enlistment, with the JCF being the second choice.

“I received a call from the Police Force first and whilst in training, I got the call from the JDF, but decided to remain in training for the JCF. Notwithstanding that, there has always been a love for the military from my youth. I also have a love for the legal profession and right now I am enrolled as a third year student in the Bachelor of Laws programme of studies at the University of Technology (UTech),” Inspector Medley said.

He is proud to serve his country and is confident that he can also make a great difference in the lives of citizens through the legal profession, when he retires from the JCF.

Inspector Medley said that despite the challenges, the police have been trained to uphold the law and to protect citizens, the country’s democracy and the democratic rights of all citizens.

“The police have a role to play in the overall security of the country. We must continue the fight to reduce crime,” he said, adding that he is proud of his service to the country and has no regrets.

He is encouraging the youth to seek careers in the JCF and the JDF.

“I have served the Force and have done so with a passion. I have served it with all honesty. I have to thank God for where I am just now and continue to count my blessings,” he said.

— JIS