Cop suspected of committing suicide

Head of the Westmoreland Police Division, Superintendent Wayne Josephs, has appealed to officers in need of counselling or assistance with personal issues to take advantage of the mechanisms within the force that deal with such matters.

This following the suspected suicide of Corporal Horace McDermott yesterday morning. Reports by the police are that McDermott's body was discovered by a family member shortly at his home in Phase 1 of the Llandilo Housing Scheme in Savanna-la-Mar after 9 a.m. with a gunshot wound to his head. It is also reported that his service pistol was also discovered inside the room. McDermott is said to have been stationed at the Frome Police Station also in Westmoreland.

"On the face of it, it appears to be a case of suicide, however, the investigation is ongoing, and we await the outcome of the investigation," said Josephs, who described the incident as a most unfortunate and sad one. Josephs said the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Chaplaincy Services Branch and the medical services are in place to assist officers having personal issues.

"Members of the Westmoreland police are in a very sombre mood, especially those who were close to Mr McDermott. I just want to take this opportunity to offer my condolences on behalf of the Westmoreland division to the family and relatives of Mr McDermott," Josephs added.

THE STAR also spoke to residents in the housing scheme who said that McDermott was very friendly and always ready to assist anyone who was having problems.