Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

( L - R ) Gause, Phipps, Ford

( L - R ) Llewellyn, Benjamin, Smith

"I asked him how would he react if one day he was attacked by gunmen. He said he would go down fighting, taking one of them (gunmen) with him," says Paula Llewellyn

The murder on Monday night of Detective Corporal Dave Daley, a 19-year veteran of the police force, has left many of his colleagues and several members of the legal fraternity who knew him, angry and grieving. They were quick to say why he was regarded as an exceptional policeman.

Paula Llewellyn, Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), developed a deep appreciation for Corporal Daley when he headed her security detail during the Zeeks trial. She recalled that he was "not only a responsible father, but a single parent raising two beautiful daughters - one attended a prep school and the elder a prominent high school."

"He was very articulate, honest, professional, outspoken, intelligent and has a lot of integrity", she added.

But, for the senior legal officer, perhaps the most poignant memory of the late policeman came from a recent conversation the two had: "I asked him how would he react if one day he was attacked by gunmen. He said he would go down fighting, taking one of them (gunmen) with him."

We were very close

Acting Assistant Commissioner Granville Gause (Bureau of Special Investigation), said: "We were very close, he would always address me as 'father'. The organisation has lost a great mind as it relates to investigation. He was quick and fearless, both in his speech and work. Detective Corporal Daley believed in investigation and conviction through the courts."

Senior Superintendent Calvin Benjamin (Major Investigation Task Force): "He was a true policeman, a no-nonsense detective. He was somebody who you could give a task and expect it to be completed in a professional manner. For that, he was well recognised throughout the force. Detective Corporal Daley was not easily frustrated by adversaries."

Deputy Superintendent Meveral Smith (Crime Officer St. Catherine North): "He was not afraid to take any major criminal investigation. Detective Corporal Daley had some landmark cases; he loved to go to court and in my opinion was one of the brilliant young investigators and a bright prospect in the CIB."

Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps (Crime Officer South St. Andrew): "He was a disciplined, hard working policeman, one of the smartest of the young crop of detectives. We had a good working relationship during his tenure at the Special Anti Crime Task Force and Hunts Bay."

Deputy Superintendent Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford (Flying Squad): "Detective Corporal Daley was a 'soldier'. He gave yeoman service and made a sterling contribution to the police force. Right now we are in mourning, but we have to just do what we have to do."