Michael DeSilva, the Commissioner of Police, has paid his respects to Vic Richmond, the former high-ranking police officer who passed away last week.

Mr DeSilva is off the Island for today’s funeral service, but has offered the following tribute to the retired superintendent:

On behalf of all ranks and members of staff of the Bermuda Police Service, I express our sympathies on the passing of retired Superintendent Victor “Vic” Richmond last week.

Mr Richmond’s career began in 1966 with the Bermuda Police Force, as it was known then, alongside other police recruits from the UK.

He retired in 2001 as the head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after a full career and 35 years of service.

He spent most of his career in CID, where he quickly established a reputation as an accomplished detective.

His personnel file at headquarters contains the details of various commendations that are too numerous to list.

Notably, he was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for meritorious service in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour List in 1998.

Mr Richmond was a dedicated police officer and he was highly committed to the Bermuda community, where he made his home, having originated from Scotland.

He was active in the BPS football and boxing sections, and he was an involved member of the Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association.

The BPS has lost a highly respected colleague and dear friend. I have asked our staff to join me in extending thoughts and prayers to his family as they cope with this very sad loss.

Mr Richmond will be laid to rest at 4pm on Wednesday at Christ Church, Warwick.

I regret that I will be overseas on the day, but officers from the BPS will be in attendance and dressed in full ceremonial uniform as a mark of respect and tribute for our distinguished colleague.