STEADFAST IN SERVICE: SELFLESS IN DUTY
As Jamaicans reeled from the ravages of Hurricane Melissa that made landfall on Tuesday October 28, one group of individuals stepped into the immediacy of crisis to help carry the country through – Police Officers.
After the Category 5 storm caused significant damages to parishes in our western region — St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, and Trelawny — police officers were the first out to begin clearing roadways, locating and rescuing individuals trapped in hurricane-damaged homes, and reconnecting frightened citizens with loved ones they had lost contact with.
But these officers who comforted the devastated and displaced, did so also as humans who themselves experienced the storm’s raging volatility. While the horrifying howls of the wind and drenching downpours of rain gave them worry for themselves and their own loved ones, these officers remained faithful to their oath to serve and protect.
At the 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 citizens were safely transported 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,” states Cpl. Barrett., allowing himself a brief moment to relive that dreadful day.
Five shards of that wrecked door pierced Det. Cpl. Alray Brown’s arm, forcing him to receive immediate first aid from his colleagues right there 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 Det Cpl. Brown, who while pained at the memory, now wears those battle scars as a 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.
Up until late Wednesday morning, Hurricane Melissa remained relentless. Rooftops from nearby homes were ripped away – three of which landed on the station grounds – and more than fifteen containers were seen tumbling through the area.
Finally, at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, the storm passed. But the 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,” states Cpl. 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. With the use of the motor vehicle assigned to the station out of the question, Cpl. Barrett and his team navigated their way by cutting through the fallen trees and clearing the blocked roads to check on residents. They rendered what assistance they could, but for some, it was too late.
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.
Det. Cpl. Brown recalled how a gentleman 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 supplies dwindled, the officers ensured that anyone who came to the station hungry left with something to eat.
“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,” Cpl. 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. 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 our bonds and strengthening Jamaica through this recovery period.
As the 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.”
