‘He was one of the bravest’ - Romone Evans remembered for his bravery, dedication to service

A heartfelt service of thanksgiving was held to honour the life of police constable Romone Evans, who tragically passed away two months ago.

Scores of former colleagues, friends, families, and well-wishers gathered at the the Family of God Seventh-day Adventist Church, Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town, St Catherine, to pay their final respects to the departed cop.

Evans, 27, lost his life in a fiery crash along the North-South Highway on May 7, as he made his way home from work. The constable, who was attached to the Hunts Bay Police Station in St Andrew, was driving a Nissan motor car along the roadway when he lost control of the vehicle and it ran into a drain. The car reportedly burst into flames and he was trapped inside the burning vehicle.

During Sunday's funeral, Evans was remembered as a promising young policeman with a bright future, cut short just 12 days before his 28th birthday.

Corporal Arlene McBean, representing the Jamaica Police Federation, delivered a moving speech, expressing the great tragedy felt by the force over Evans' untimely demise.

"This young man had so much to give, in fact I believe that he could be a future commissioner of police, but we must now pray for those he left behind," McBean said.

Superintendent Damion Manderson, commanding officer for the St Andrew South Police Division where Evans worked, delivered the eulogy.

"It was the day that I knew must come but I really didn't want it to. As a commander, it is the worse thing to deliver bad news to family members who kissed their loved one and hugged them and tell them later," Manderson said.

Evans, born to Camilia Williams and Mark Evans, served in the JCF for two years. He is a graduate of St Catherine High School, where he secured nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate passes. He also attended The Mico University College for one year. He joined the JCF in November 2021 and was first posted in St Mary after his basic training. His supervisors in St Mary described him as "a good worker and a potential asset to the JCF".

He was then transferred to the St Andrew South Division where he served as member of the mobile patrol team.

"He was indeed a humble but astute individual," said Manderson. "He was one of the bravest police officers that has come to us, and we will always be proud of him. Although he is not here with us, he will keep inspiring us," the senior cop said.

He told mourners that although Evans was "just a probationer he was, but very courageous. He was humble, loved his job and was a role model to his colleagues and admired by his managers".

Manderson, who at one point wiped a tear from his face, said Evans' batchmates remembered him as one who was always in deep thoughts. They said he could be stubborn at times, but "he always had grace and love on his lips" as he was never one to speak ill of others.

Head of the police Area Four, Assistant Commissioner of Police Donovan Graham, delivered a tribute on behalf of Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson.

Patricia Harris, councillor for Angels Division where Evans resided, described him as "an amazing person". She said the fact that the late cop was willing to serve his country, it speaks volume to his character.

"He was with us and he lived his life in a remarkable way and we have to give thanks for that," Harris said.

Similarly, councillor caretaker George Moodie saluted Evans for deciding to serve his country through the police force.

In his homily, pastor Vincent Forsythe emphasised the importance of prayer and supplication for the police force and the country.

Evans' remains were laid to rest at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine.