EIGHTY men and women serving at various levels in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) and the Jamaica Rural Police Force were recently honoured for their outstanding work in the fight against crime in the Area Two Division last year.

The inaugural Incentive Awards Banquet, held at the Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, St Ann, two Saturdays ago, was attended by scores of persons including many from the business community.

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington said he was pleased with the ceremony organised by the Area Two police.

“It delights me that Area Two is the first out of the block,” he said, adding, “This is very impressive.”

Among those recognised at the awards function were Canute Hamilton, retired Superintendent of Police, who served the JCF for 41 years and Leonard Mason, who gave 37 years of service to the ISCF.

The most outstanding sergeant, corporal, constable, ISCF member, district constable and civilian employees were also awarded.

One of the most outstanding highlights of the awards ceremony was the top sergeant for 2013 in Area Two Sergeant Rochell McGibbon.

Sergeant McGibbon was described as a pioneer behind several programmes in the division such as the Volunteer Citizens on Patrol, the Think Twice before You Act and the Ministers Fraternal Prayer Breakfast.

McGibbon was born in the volatile community of Maxfield Avenue in Kingston, but did not allow her background to limit her ambitions.

“Sergeant McGibbon believes that in every community, there is work to be done; in every nation, there are wounds to be healed; and in every heart, the power to do it,” Deputy Superintendent Denise McCain read.

Corporal Alwayne Smith of the Portland Division was named the top corporal of the year for 2013. The sub-officer in charge of

the Investigation Unit in the Portland Division was described as a “very analytic investigator, who utilises his expertise to effect good in the discharge of his duties and responsibilities, with a significant rate of success”.

Also out of Portland was the top ISCF member for 2013 Woman Special Constable Andrene Wilson-Dixon. She was described as a strong and dedicated woman who, although assigned to a specific task, does not allow that to limit her and is

actively engaged in general policing duties.

Constable Taneca James, the operation clerk within the Area Two general office, was awarded the most outstanding constable for 2013. James is not only an active member of the JCF, but has served the community sitting on several boards and working with several youth clubs.

Most outstanding district constable for 2013 went to Charles Wilks, who hails from St Mary and who has been leading the charge in community involvement in the parish. A coach of both the Area Two football and athletic teams, he has also served several community-based organisations including the police youth club and community neighbour-hood watch.

Lasco top cop for 2014 Sergeant Hodel Harris, who is also a part of the Area Two police, was also recognised at the awards ceremony as the High Flyer for 2014.

Responding on behalf of the awardees Sergeant McGibbon said it was not mere coincidence that they were being honoured, as all the awardees have shown great dedication in carrying out their duties.

Head of Area Two, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell, said the awards ceremony will be an annual one. While being unable to provide monetary incentive, the Area Two head said the awards function was established to highlight the hard-working members of the security force.