By Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
'Police Officer of the Year', Corporal Pollyanna Brown-Mullings (second right), with Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes (second left), Toronto Chief of Police Julian Fantino (left) and Lascelles Chin, CEO of the LASCO Group of Companies. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
IT WAS all about the women at the 2003 LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force's 'Officer of the Year' awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, yesterday. Both, the 'Top Cop' and the 'Rookie of the Year' awards were arrested by women, giving the fairer sex undisputed bragging rights over their male counterparts.
Fourteen-year veteran Corporal Pollyanna Brown-Mullings, stationed at Annotto Bay, St. Mary, took home the Top Cop Trophy, plus a trip for two to any United States or Caribbean destination courtesy of Air Jamaica. She also pocketed $100,000 for winning the award.
Constable Anika Bloomfield, also stationed in Annotto Bay, completed the double for the female officers by taking home the inaugural 'Rookie of the Year' award plus an educational grant of $50,000. She was unable to attend yesterday's ceremony as she is undergoing treatment in a hospital following major surgery last week.
Sergeant Paul Belvett, attached to the Mobile Reserve, saved face for the men by winning the runner-up 'Officer of the Year' trophy in addition to walking away with $50,000.
Dressed in a beige jacket suit, Mrs. Brown-Mullings sported a smile that summed up the moment.
"I am truly honoured to be in this position. I am rather elated to have been chosen as the recipient of this rather prestigious award," she said in her victory speech before pausing to pay homage to God, whom she said has been her constant guide.
Detective Corporal Howard Mullings, husband of the nation's 'Top Cop' told The Gleaner that his wife maintained her composure from the day she entered the race for the award. "She is a lady with a lot of confidence," he said. "Even this morning I was asking her if she felt nervous and she said no. She was just relaxed."
The LASCO/JCF top cop initiative was instituted in 2000. The competition seeks to reward police officers whose professional conduct and civic involvement are noteworthy. The officer should be a dedicated professional of integrity, who commands the respect of the community in which he or she works, says the 'Top Cop' criteria.
The keynote address was giving by Toronto's Chief of Police, Julian Fantino, who in his speech offered condolences to the police force and the family of slain officers. "Such a reality reflects the perilous profession," he said.
Earlier in the ceremony, a special tribute was paid to police officers killed during the year 2003. The police force band rendered a touching selection, Can't Give Up Now, originally by U.S.-based gospel group Mary Mary. A rose was placed in a vase on the stage in remembrance of the slain lawmen.
In his address, Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes urged his troops to keep their 'eyes on the prize'.
"The year 2004 has not started out well but I am encouraging the police not to loose hope... never mind what the detractors are saying," said Commissioner Forbes.
Mr. Lascelles Chin and the LASCO 'family' were lauded throughout the ceremony for the support they have been giving to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
