Former top cop Thomas remembered as ‘gentle giant’

In the late 1960s, Lucius Thomas was a teacher at his alma mater Murray Mountain All-Age School in St Ann.

After months of teaching, he decided to upgrade his skills and enrolled at the then named Mico Teachers' College. But the night before he was to begin classes, he got a vision that changed his life forever.

"He packed his bag and retired to bed. During that night the divine hand of God spoke in an extraordinary way. When he woke the morning, he related that he dreamt seeing his name written in the skies 'Lucius Thomas, commissioner of police'. When he told my grandmother, she said 'Son, follow your dreams," said Thomas' niece Philmar Powell. She was speaking yesterday at the thanksgiving service for Thomas which was held at the Boulevard Baptist Church on Washington Boulevard, St Andrew. Thomas who fulfilled that dream and became police commissioner, died on January 18 from an undisclosed illness. He served the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for 38 years and was commissioner for a little more than two years following his appointment in 2005. Hundreds of police officers of different ranks, politicians and other dignitaries said farewell yesterday.

Dr Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, JCF chaplain, said Thomas walked with kings but did not lose his common touch. He was also described as a 'well liked' commissioner.

"He maintained an open door police as no member of the force needed an appointment to see him. He was a cheerful giver and his word was his bond. He would drive around with wads of cash to give to police officers that he would see on the road. He was a great man and his unwavering commitment for the welfare of police officers will go down in history. He stood as a gentle giant among men and will long be remembered as an outstanding crime fighter," he said.

Present commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, said Thomas led by example and was one who everyone should emulate as he respected humanity.

"He was a special person and contributed at the highest level. He was filled with humility and was accessible to high and low alike and he had a lot of respect for the people around him. He was a gentleman and he was contained. He had a passion for service and he gave all of his working life to service to the JCF," Anderson said.

Tributes were also given by The Jamaica Police Federation, Police Officers Association and former commissioner Dr Carl Williams. Thomas' siblings and nieces also shared special memories and experiences about the man they affectionately called 'Brother' and 'Uncle Lucius'. Interment followed at the Dovecot Memorial Gardens.

During his career, Thomas served in various areas of JCF including the Trelawny and St James police divisions, the Special Branch headquarters, and the marine police. A Roman Catholic, Thomas was married to Sylvia Lewis and had two sons. He was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2006 and also received a Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service. He was also recognised with a Gleaner Honour Award in 2006. Thomas explored running for office in the St Ann North West constituency in 2011 but opted out because of family and health concerns.