Cop who died in bike crash laid to rest

Herbert Emmanuel Gayle was remembered as a dedicated father, exemplary policeman and a very special person who strived to make the lives of others around him better.

The late cop died tragically on December 23, 2022, after his motorcycle crashed at his home in Harbour View, St Andrew.

"He was one of those officers who was never afraid to pursue armed criminals. He was never afraid to confront dangerous situations, yet he had perhaps one of the most pleasant personalities you could find in the division," remarked Senior Superintendent Kirk Ricketts, commander for the St Andrew South Police Division where Gayle was serving. On Saturday, hundreds of mourners turned out at the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre, in St Andrew, to pay their final respects. Gayle, 29, who was a district constable, was described as fearless and very ambitious.

Ricketts noted that two lawmen were attacked in recent days, and said that the police will not relent or cower in the face of these attacks. Noting that the lawmen have already started the pushback, he thought of Gayle.

"Because we know that he would have relished the opportunity to be a part of this pushback," Ricketts added.

Known to his colleagues as 'Lethal' and to his family as 'Enrico', Gayle was remembered by his cousin Trishauna Hemmings-Wilks, as a charismatic person "who had a smile that would fill up anyone".

"He had a passion for life and a contagious energy that lit up the room. He had a smile that would warm any heart," she said between tears, "He was special from the very moment he was born. He had that personality that made you think that he can do and be anything. He knew what love was because he had people around him who loved him dearly. That I think gave him that special 'oomph' of personality that made him very unique and special."

She said that Gayle initially wanted to be a soldier, but realised another dream when he entered the Jamaica Constabulary Force on March 2, 2015.

"Despite the demands of his job, he always found time to spend with the people he loved, and he loved his children dearly. His love for them knows no bound," she said.

A devote Christian, Hemmings-Wilks disclosed that her cousin was never shy to minister about the love of God. She said he was also an inspirational member of the gospel group, The Hebrew Boys, which included Colin Chambers and Kemar McCarthy.

"He was on fire for the Lord, and he reflected that through his role in the youth ministry at the Harbour View Church of God Seaview Chapel, as well as his music ministry. He loved to sing, and he would use this to minister whenever and wherever he goes. He even sang at my wedding," she added.

Gayle is survived by his three children and several other relatives. He was laid to rest at the Thetford Park Cemetery in Old Harbour, St Catherine.