The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The late former Assistant Commissioner of Police Kemuel Hepburn was a great Bahamian, who distinguished himself during his career as a police officer, as a very firm, astute, articulate, compassionate and courageous leader.

It was very often said and well known to our seniors, that if you were looking for an officer to improve performance in any division of the police service, Hepburn was that man.

He displayed a keen sense of loyalty to the police service, which he served faithfully for decades. It was surprising to me and many others, that he rose rapidly through the ranks, which could be attributed to the outstanding qualities he displayed as a leader throughout his distinguished career.

His strong personality, discipline, courage and great sense of humour endeared him to his colleagues. He led by example. For many years he served as the Editor of the Police magazine and did an excellent job. He was an historian, not only of Bahamian history in which he excelled, but world history.

He had a great sense of humour, he considered himself to be the best domino player on the Force and he invented some shots in the game of tennis, which he played regularly. Hepburn worked with us on Stan Moir’s CID team for several years and excelled as a scenes of crime officer, with the drawings he did at the scene.

He was at one time in charge of the Police Riot Squad and was the Commander on many official parades. He served as the Aide to Prime Minister Pindling for several years and was for a period Commandant of the Police College where he demonstrated that he had the courage to refuse to enlist candidates sent there by politicians who did not qualify for acceptance.

Hepburn was the beneficiary of a number of high level training courses abroad. He committed himself to excel and did very well at Hendon in the UK and the FBI Academy in the USA, where he got his marksmanship award. He was one of those officers, who supported the move for a Police Staff Association.

We had great moments playing dominoes and tennis. It was during these times, when I learned a lot through the historical and religious debates that occurred. He was my good friend and although my junior I often called him Mr Hepburn. I will miss him very much.

Thanks for those great years we had in the Police Service.

PAUL THOMPSON, Sr.,

Nassau,

April 3, 2015.