Twins follow dad’s footsteps to join JCF

Nearly two decades ago, when Corporal David Ricketts joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), he never imagined that 18 years later, he would be standing between his twin daughters at their own graduation to join the force.

In July 2007, when his daughters, Deanna and Deandra, were just four years old, Ricketts embarked on a career in law enforcement, unknowingly starting a legacy -- one that his daughters have now chosen to continue. Last Friday, Deanna and Deandra, now 22, graduated as part of Batch 158, a proud moment they and their father will ever forget.

"I am extremely proud; it was a good feeling to see both of them excel through thick and through thin," Ricketts said. Reflecting on his journey, Ricketts told THE STAR that his initial motivation for joining the force was to serve.

"When I joined 19 years ago it was to make a difference, to serve the people of this country, and I am pleased to know that my daughter will be going the same," he said.

Although the twins initially pursued culinary studies at HEART/NSTA Trust, their career paths took a turn after they began visiting their father at the National Police College of Jamaica, where he is assigned to the department weapons and tactical training unit. So, inspired by his dedication and work ethic, they decided to follow in his footsteps.

"At first, I wanted to be a chef, but then COVID-19 happened, and the hotel industry wasn't hiring. So, we started going to work with Daddy, and over time, we were inspired by what we saw," Deandra explained.

Deanna added, "Being around him at work for the past two years and seeing his dedication, discipline, and the way he handled his duties and treated his colleagues really inspired me. So, we knew this was the right step for me."

Despite training at the same institution where their father worked, they rarely saw him because Ricketts made a conscious decision to distance himself from their grooming process.

"During their training, I stepped back and let my colleagues handle their development. I wanted to make sure there was no talk of favouritism, so I stayed out of that part," he explained.

While the training was rigorous, the sisters leaned on each other for support. For Deandra, the experience was at times challenging, as she had never been away from her mother in St James for an extended period and missed her dearly.

"As the younger twin, I struggled at first. I cried for about two weeks straight because I wanted to go home," Deandra admitted. However, with encouragement from her instructors and her sister, she persevered.

"Daddy always taught us that once we start something, we must finish it. There's no turning back, no giving up. That mindset helped me [to] push through, and I made sure to remind Deandra of that every step of the way," Deanna said.

Now stronger than ever, the sisters are ready to serve and protect their country. However, for the first time in their lives, they will be living separately, because Deandra will be stationed in St James, while Deanna will serve in neighbouring Trelawny. Despite being in the same career, they have different visions for themselves.

"I would love to become commissioner one day. I know it will take time, continued studies, and a lot of hard work, but I am determined to achieve it," Deandra said. Meanwhile, Deanna expressed her commitment to both law enforcement and the culinary arts.

"I want to rise in the ranks and make a real impact. Helping others has always been important to me and at the same time, I still want to pursue my passion for cooking," she said.