SENIOR Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kirk Ricketts, head of the St Andrew South Police Division, led a group of cops to the Bethel Born Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in St Andrew on Sunday morning to mourn the death of their beloved 37-year-old colleague, Constable Donald Carr, and to accept prayers of protection and blessings to guide them on and off the job.

Ricketts confirmed that Carr, who crashed on the north-south leg of Highway 2000 Saturday night, succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning after it to took him at least five hours to get to hospital. The SSP said Carr’s death was extremely devastating and tragic, and described the constable as one of the most hard-working, committed and loyal policemen any police force could find.

The senior cop also raised concerns over allegations that police service vehicles were not allowed to get past a toll booth as members of the responding unit had no cash to pay.

Reports from the St Ann’s Bay Police are that about 8:30 pm, Carr was driving his motor car heading to St Ann when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle and ended up in a ditch. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. A female occupant also sustained injuries and is currently being treated at hospital.

“This moment is bittersweet because, what better place to be than in the sanctuary? While it is early days yet, I am concerned by the initial reports I have been getting. Constable Carr met in an accident sometime after 8:00 pm and got to hospital after 1:00 am Sunday. I am extremely concerned with the initial reports coming to me.

“I am just coming from St Ann where I met with his mother, father, three sisters, brother, and other family friends. With the support of the police in St Ann, we were able to start initial counselling for them and to assure them we will leave no stone unturned,” Ricketts stated.

Following Ricketts’s speech was the segment for prayers and anointment.

As she used olive oil to anoint the heads of the SSP, Superintendent Damion Manderson and other members of the team, Pastor Yvonne Codner offered special prayers for the cops to help guide them day to day.

“In the name of Jesus, protect them. Watch over them, Lord. Hear your children, Master Builder and pour down your anointing. Protect them from all evil,” Codner prayed.

A male member of the church took over from Codner and, during the continuation of prayers, said, “I look to you Lord. Many have sacrificed their lives and they live amongst the wicked and the evil. Be a fence around them. As they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, protect them. Lay your hands upon them and protect them from evil forces and witchcraft.”

He continued: “The police are doing a great job, because if it wasn’t for them there would be no peace. They are the ones who risk their lives. I pronounce your blessings upon them, I dispatch your protection. Give them strength in whatever they are doing and let them be successful.”

Manderson, who is in charge of operations in the St Andrew South Police Division, shared that he got to know Carr over a period of nine months and described him as a constable who was loved by every rank.

“Though he was a constable he mentored many of our youngsters on operational duties. He was one who you could always count on to go above and beyond. You could count on him to go the distance where many others would not dare to go. He wasn’t just loved among constables, he was loved among all ranks and civilian staff — and even members from the business community have been calling and expressing sympathies. We continue to give support. We met with a number of staff this morning to offer counselling, and that will continue as it is necessary in the days to come,” he said.

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