Heartbreaking memories, unbreakable bonds - Families remember fallen cops

Stories of love, sacrifice, and unimaginable loss were brought to the fore at the Commissioner's Luncheon for the Children of Fallen Officers held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew yesterday.

The annual event, held to honour the lives and sacrifices of Jamaica's brave policemen and women, some of whom died in the line of duty, became an emotional tribute to both the fallen officers and the families they left behind.

Among those remembered was Detective Sergeant Kevin Mayne, who lost his life on July 22. Mayne was fatally shot at the Half-Way Tree Police Station after a suspect in custody, Deon Singh, disarmed an officer and turned the weapon on Mayne before taking his own life.

The grief of Detective Mayne's family was palpable. Seven-year-old Keyerra Mayne, his daughter, sat with her mother, Talithia Miller, as memories of her father flooded back. Miller struggled to keep her composure as she spoke about the deep pain her daughter felt.

"There are times when she just zones out, and I know she's thinking about it," Miller said, her voice breaking. "And then there are moments when she talks about the fun they had--going to the beach, fishing. She misses him so much."

Young Keyerra, who had lived with her father before his untimely death, referred to him as the best dad.

"She's a daddy's girl. This is really hard for both of us," Miller explained, as tears welled in her eyes.

She still finds it hard to accept his passing. "It didn't feel real then, and it doesn't feel real now. I still can't believe he's gone."

Also present at the event were family members of Constable Lotoya Powell, who passed away on May 6 after a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Powell, a 15-year veteran of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, left behind two young daughters--11-month-old Kelara and six-year-old Latanya Clarke.

Raford Clarke, Powell's husband of seven years, spoke to THE STAR about the void left by her loss.

"It's very difficult, she's sadly missed," he said, his voice heavy with emotion as he gently rocked their baby daughter, Kelara, to sleep. "She was an amazing mother--kind, loving, and devoted to her children. She loved them dearly."

Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, acknowledged the diverse ways in which they kept the memory of their loved ones alive.

"All of you carry within you memories of your parents, memories that are varied, as the circumstances of their passing," he said.

"Some left us in the line of duty, others in the quiet moments of their lives, but each of them in their own way sacrificed something for the sake of the greater good," he added.

His words were a reminder of the unyielding sacrifices made by the officers and their families.

The commissioner also spoke to the courage, selflessness, and commitment of the officers who sacrificed so much for their country and their loved ones.

"Your mothers, fathers, and guardians were not just officers in uniform; they were pillars of courage, selflessness, and commitment to this country. They knew the dangers, the risks, long nights and the emotional toll that came with their duty but they chose that path because of their unshakable love for this beautiful place we call home, Jamaica, and for you," said Commissioner Blake.