By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterWESTMORELAND'S TOP cop, Woman Sergeant Nadine Grant-Brown, is the 2002 LASCO Police Officer of the Year.
The elated sub-officer, who was the runner-up to last year's winner Inspector Edgar Brown, of St. Ann, walked away with prize money of $100,000, a trophy and two plane tickets donated by Air Jamaica, during a reception at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday.
It was a fitting gift for Sergeant Grant-Brown, who will celebrating her 35th birthday tomorrow (Friday, January 31). She was selected from among nine divisional winners, seven men and two women.
Inspector Samuel Morgan of St. Andrew North Police Division was the runner-up. He collected the second prize of $50,000.
The former Glengoffe High student, who got enrolled in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) 13 years ago, was inspired to join the Police Force by a 'pep-talk' she received one day at her school's Careers Week, where police personnel were invited to come and speak about the Force.
"I was at school one day when the police came and spoke at our Careers Week and from then I got interested. But I kept the idea a secret until about a week before I did the entry test," she told The Gleaner during an interview Tuesday afternoon.
While searching for words to describe her feelings, the 2002 LASCO Top Cop said it was a proud moment for her and a mark of achievement not necessarily for women police, but for women in Jamaica.
"I am proud to be the first female LASCO Top Cop," said a smiling Mrs. Grant.
Immediately after receiving her award, the sub-officer wasted no time in sending a stern message to her colleagues, especially those who are involved in corruption.
"I want them to lift the Police Force with integrity, honesty, professionalism and do everything that is honest," stressed Woman Sergeant Grant.
She has been a stalwart in her police division. Reports are that she has been involved with Family Courts matters and peer counselling with the Chaplaincy Unit. She tied the knot in 1993 and is the proud mother of four children two daughters and two step-daughters.
Her husband, Harry Brown, who is also a member of the Police Force, along with her parents and relatives, were among scores of well-wishers who gave her a standing ovation and applauded her non-stop, after she was announced as the winner.
