Dear Editor,

Kindly permit me space in your widely read newspaper to pay tribute to Corporal Steve Hepburn from the Spalding Police Station in Clarendon.

He recently announced his resignation from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at a church service held jointly by the Spalding police and the Spalding New Testament Church of God. His resignation completes 21 years of service to the JCF, the majority of which was spent in the Spalding and Christiana police divisions.

As a community leader and an educator within the Spalding Police Division, I am quite familiar with Corporal Hepburn and his service to the community. He is a member of the Spalding Citizens’ Association, which I lead, and a well-known bishop in the New Testament Church of God. However, it is in his capacity as a police officer that I came to know him, and he was always professional and considerate of the civilian population. His character and integrity was never called into question as a member of the JCF.

Corporal Hepburn was a school resource officer for many years, and I found him to be very accommodating and passionate about young people, himself being a relatively young man. He has indicated his desire to devote all his time and energy towards full-time ministry.

As dean of discipline of one of the schools that falls within the Spalding Police Division, I will miss Corporal Hepburn for his engagements with the boys and his erudite moral messages. We often take for granted the service rendered by public officials, especially members of the JCF, and I think we have a moral responsibility to show appreciation.

I, and on behalf of the people of Spalding, want to publicly express thanks and appreciation to Corporal Steve Hepburn for his 21 years of dedicated service to ensuring the safety and security of all Jamaicans, particularly the people of Spalding who he served for most of the 21 years. I wish for Corporal Hepburn continued growth and success as he transitions to a new chapter in his personal and professional life. Once again, I extend sincere appreciation to Corporal Hepburn. The word is always love!

Andre’ AO Wellington

President, Spalding Citizens’ Association

Dean of discipline Alston High School

andrewellington344@yahoo.com