POLICE officers were among the first group of people to step up in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, clearing roads, locating and rescuing individuals trapped in hurricane-damaged homes, and reconnecting frightened citizens with loved ones with whom they had lost contact.

But these officers who comforted the devastated and displaced did so as humans who themselves experienced the storm’s raging volatility. While the horrifying howls of the wind and drenching downpour gave them worry for themselves and their loved ones, these police officers remained faithful to their oath to serve and protect.

At Darliston Police Station in Westmoreland, Corporal Duan Barrett and his team of six bravely hid their own fears as, up to the very last minute, they ensured residents were transported safely to shelters.

“You could hear the wind outside, and it’s like you can see the breeze itself moving, and you heard it before you saw it. One of the glass doors shattered, you’re seeing the glass all over on the walls because of winds, and then within 10 to 15 seconds the other glass door shattered as well,” Corporal Barrett recounted in a release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Constabulary Communications Network, allowing himself a brief moment to relive the dreadful day.

Five shards of that wrecked door pierced Detective Corporal Alray Brown’s arm, forcing him to receive immediate first aid from his colleagues in the heart of the storm. He described the experience as one he does not want to relive.

“I got several cuts in my arm, but we were trying to secure the diaries, computers, and other government properties. But then the roof came off, and at that point I wondered if I was going to make it out,” recalled Detective Corporal Brown who, while pained at the memory, now wears those battle scars as the mark of a survivor.

With glass flying through the air, water rushing downstairs, and doors being ripped off their hinges, the team began to wonder how long they could hold on, and if they would ever see their families again. The storm continued into the late evening, and there was not a moment of calm, the release continued.

Up until late Wednesday morning, Hurricane Melissa remained relentless. Rooftops from nearby homes were ripped off — three of which landed on the police station grounds — and more than 15 containers were seen tumbling through the area.

Finally, at about 3:00 pm on October 29, the storm passed. But the police officers had no time to process their ordeal as they stepped outside into a world of ruin. It was time to serve.

“We had no connection to our family members, but as law enforcement officers, you have to be strong. We know what the job comes with; moments like these prove who we really are. We are first responders; we have a duty to serve the people,” stated Corporal Barrett, his voice coated with pride.

With communication completely cut off from their main station, the team operated independently, guided by years of training and experience, the release said.

With the use of the motor vehicle assigned to the station out of the question, Corporal Barrett and his team navigated their way by cutting through fallen trees and clearing the blocked roads to check on residents. They rendered what assistance they could, but for some, it was too late, the release said.

All the team could do was verify the death reports, walking miles, sometimes twice daily, to visit the areas that were reporting the presence of bodies.

Detective Corporal Brown recalled how a man from another community saw him and his colleagues making the daily trudge and, moved by their effort, offered them two bicycles to help ease the strain and allow them quicker access to where they were most needed.

The days that followed the passage of Hurricane Melissa were challenging, and even as their own food supply dwindled, the police officers ensured that anyone who came to the station hungry left with something to eat, the release said.

“During this time, we are everything, and they believe we have everything. We can’t afford to show the stress or the fear we feel, because even though the storm affected us too, we need to be there for them,” Corporal Barrett added.

While their station and means of travel were compromised, the service of these seven police officers to the Darliston community during the worst hurricane to hit Jamaica remained steadfast.

The release said they bear the weight of expectations and responsibilities of law enforcement and stand strong for their community, especially in times of uncertainty and fear.

JCF members are resolute in their choice to serve and protect and are committed to strengthening fellow citizens, strengthening bonds, and strengthening Jamaica through the recovery period.

As Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake has said: “The road ahead is rough, but I know we can get through this. Let us remain steadfast and focused as we press on. Jamaica is counting on us and, as always, I know we will rise to the occasion.”

Members or the police force clean up in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, its members remained faithful to their oath to serve and protect before, during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.