Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Wednesday | October 14, 2009
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COMMUNITY HEROES - Retired cop duty-bound
Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer


Shemuel Wilson, a retired police inspector still observes the motto of Jamaica Constabulary Force: To serve, protect and reassure.

At 88 years old Shemuel Wilson has long laid down his firearm, his tunic and his hat. But he still continues to serve, protect and reassure.

The retired police inspector still observes the motto of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) through his involvement with the Manchester chapter of the Association of Past Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The chapter was established in 1992 and Wilson was a key figure in that birth.

The chapter was founded 11 years after Wilson hung up his hat as a police inspector.

In the immediate period after his retirement, he undertook voluntary and humanitarian work.

The Association of Past Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is a benevolent society, which impacts communities.

The affable 88-year-old former cop has been serving as public relations officer for the Manchester chapter of the association ever since its inception and remains very active in its outreach activities.

In his portfolio as public relations officer of the 60-member association, Wilson sees to the welfare of shut-ins and destitute members, as well as those in the wider community.

Projects

He also helps to monitor the progress of school-building projects being undertaken by the association and the construction of houses for people in need.

Wilson also liaises with serving members of the force and conducts hospital visits.

But the modest senior citizen will not claim praise for the successes of his association in honouring its objectives. He says they were only the result of a team effort.

Wilson, an officer in the parish branch of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been the champion collector for its worldwide ingathering camp for four consecutive years.

Hailing from Hanover, he joined the JCF in 1951, but after 30 years of active service in the force he settled in Manchester. His wife, a retired teacher, died three years ago.

TOMORROW: 'A man for all'

Ahead of National Heroes Day on October 19, The Gleaner this week zooms in on the contributions of several ordinary Jamaicans who have made extraordinary strides for excellence in their neighbourhoods.

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