- Norman GrindleyChief Justice Lensley Wolfe, right, and other members of the legal fraternity at the funeral service for retired Deputy Superintendent Albert Richards, who was killed by gunmen on January 28.
A HIGH-PROFILE congregation flocked to the Saxthorpe Methodist Church on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, yesterday morning to say farewell to retired Deputy Superintendent Albert Richards.
Affectionately called "Richie" by his colleagues, the retired policeman was hailed as a gentleman who inspired scores of young detectives during his tenure at the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
He was married to Norma, the elder sister of the late reggae superstar, Dennis Brown. The couple produced two children Nadeen and Kevin. His life was cut short on January 28, by gunmen who attempted to robbed his gas station in Mona, St. Andrew.
Following the two-hour long church service, Mr. Richard's body was later interred at the Dovecot Memorial Park, St. Catherine, under wailing sirens of a police escort.
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sam McKay remembered his former colleague as a master at crime fighting.
"He used his pen, than the gun, to put down many dangerous criminals. He was fearless. He had a fantastic memory and could describe scenes from as far back as 20 years," commented Mr. McKay.
A product from the garden parish of St. Ann, Mr. Richards was born in the quiet district of Bamboo and journeyed to Kingston in 1955 to join the police force. Seven years after graduating he was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), before retiring in 1983.
"He was a good learner and later became one of the best detectives the Police Force has ever produced. He did so much for this country, protecting so many lives while they were sleeping," said the retired DCP.
The atmosphere inside the packed church was filled with emotion. There was sporadic laughter at times, based on some of the comical tributes.
Among the thousands who came to pay their last respects were Director of Public Prosecutions, Kent Pantry, Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe, several judges and other members of the legal circle.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was unable to attend the funeral and sent a letter expressing condolence to the family, explaining briefly how he met the deceased, during his private practice as an attorney. The letter was read by family member, Peter-Gaye Kenlock.
Other mourners were from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) including past and present senior officers, such as former Police Commissioner Roy Thompson, retired Deputy Commissioners Sam McKay and Leslie Harper.
