AT a time when the nation’s crime rate appears to be out of control and with the police being blamed by some for being ineffective in the fight, one policeman is being held in high esteem by his colleagues after he disarmed a gunman in St Thomas in the latter part of last year while off duty.

Corporal Fabian Williams has been lauded for disarming a gunman at a wake in St Thomas while he was on vacation leave, and unarmed.

The policeman, who is a member of the Area Two police division, was attending the wake for two men killed in Rowlandsfield when the incident occurred.

Not bounded by the fact that he was unarmed, off duty, or in a relatively strange place, Williams proceeded to disarm the man who had openly displayed the weapon.

A 9mm Taurus handgun along with four 9mm cartridges were taken from the man, who was later identified as Carvell Grant.

He is expected to be sentenced in the Gun Court later this month after pleading guilty to the possession of illegal possession of firearm.

After almost 19 years in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, this was a firsttime experience for Williams. He explained that he had never gone to disarm or apprehend a criminal while he was unarmed.

However, the committed policeman said that he had no regrets and would repeat his action, if the opportunity presented itself. “I would do it again,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer.

One senior member of the Area Two police described the policeman’s action as a selfless act. “It speaks of his commitment,” said the senior member, who did not wish to be named.

“It was a selfless act … this kind of commitment should be rewarded even if it is to say ‘thank you’.

You don’t get this kind of drive from people every day,” the senior police officer added. According to Williams, on the day of the incident he was at the wake when he saw a man openly displaying a firearm.

Although not armed and off duty, Williams said that his first instinct was to disarm the man. However, he had to proceed with caution as he did not want to throw himself and the people around into a potential firing line.

“I was thinking about the safety of the people around,” he said, explaining that he was not afraid for himself but for residents, family members and his two young children who were at the same premises.

Williams said that he thought of calling the police, but being unfamiliar with his surroundings, he was not sure how long it would have taken for them to arrive. “I didn’t know how long it would take for the police to respond and I didn’t want him to get away,” Williams stated.

The policeman said that he maintained a calm demeanour throughout and ensured that he acted in the way that he thought best. “He had the gun in his hand but I never go to him at that time. I observe his control of the gun and waited until he put the gun back in his waistband,” Williams said.

He said that he then approached the man from behind, identified himself to him and told him not to resist. The man was subdued and the firearm taken from him. Another police officer who was present at the wake, realising what was happening, soon stepped in and assisted.

However, Williams said that he acted not expecting any assistance, but was grateful when the policeman identified himself. While putting on a brave face for the fight against crime, Williams admitted that he was concerned when he checked the retrieved weapon and found that it had live rounds and wondered if the subdued man had any accomplices in the crowd.

“The only time I got concerned was when I checked the gun and wondered if he had any cronies in the crowd,” Williams said. He was also concerned, as those in the crowd would have known the man and not him, since he was from outside of the parish. However, he quickly commanded their respect.

“Kudos to the persons at the wake who never interfered,” the policeman said. Williams, although happy to have carried out such a heroic act, believes that he was doing his duty of preventing lawlessness.

“Mi just no like the idea of lawlessness or I wouldn’t be doing this job,” he stated. Williams said that he was happy to have done what he did at that wake, as lives may have been saved by his actions.

“When you commit yourself to a thing, when you accomplish it, a sense of triumph take over,” he said, in describing his feeling that night.

“People say they wouldn’t do it,” he said, but for Williams he is happy that an illegal firearm was taken off the streets. “That gun could have taken some lives,” he argued.

The policeman, being aware of the poor perception that some people have of the police in Jamaica, said that there were law enforcers who have a genuine interest in crime fighting.

Although praised for his valiant efforts, Williams said that the quick response of the Golden Grove police in St Thomas should also be commended.

He also hailed the investigator in the matter for working to have it handled so quickly before the courts.

He also lauded his superiors, who ensured that he had the necessary resources to travel to and from court outside his working division.

While sentencing is expected soon, Williams clearly stated that he was not interested in the number of years that the accused received, if the magistrate decided to send him to prison. “Even if he got a suspended sentence, I feel good knowing the gun is off the street,” he stated.

One of Williams’s colleagues who praised his efforts, said that the policeman’s action was a true display for his appreciation of service. “He had many reasons he could have put forward not to intervene but he put his life on the line,” one of Williams’s superiors stated.

“Policing not going to turn you into a millionaire; it’s about commitment, service to the people,” the senior officer added.