Almost 400 serving and former members of the Bermuda Police Service took to the streets of Hamilton this afternoon as part of its 135th anniversary celebrations.

Crowds gathered to watch officers of all ranks, police Reserves and support staff join retired and former officers, cadets and civilian workers in a Parade of Staff that went from Hamilton Police Station down Front Street to City Hall.

About 375 marched before posing for a commemorative photograph on the steps of City Hall — an iconic snapshot of the Bermuda Police Service past and present.

More than 450 spectators gathered to see the climax of the parade and enjoy a performance by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva told The Royal Gazette he was “ecstatic” about the turnout.

“It’s beyond what I expected,” he said. “We expected our own staff to show up, most are at work, but some gave up their day off to be here and be part of this historic moment.

“I’m really pleased about the support from the community and former staff — more than 150 former officers, cadets and support staff came along.

“It’s not so much the march and photo — and that was really special, it enabled us to be on show — it’s all the relationships here today, the connecting, people who haven’t seen each other for years even though Bermuda is tiny.

“And the community is also a huge part of this — this crowd is what the police and community relationship is all about.”

The Commissioner was joined at City Hall by other members of the Service’s senior command, including Deputy Commissioner Paul Wright, Superintendent James Howard and Superintendent Martin Weekes, who all mingled with the crowds gathered on the lawn.

Seniors in deckchairs, office workers on their lunch breaks, families and groups of schoolchildren enjoyed the brass band and met police staff, who handed out Police Week bags and water.

Former staff who attended included the Island’s first Bermudian policewoman, retired Inspector Jean Delight Vickers, 80, who took to the Birdcage to help direct traffic during the parade — just like when she served in the 1960s.

Police historian Roger Sherratt also took part in the march — the retired chief inspector gave a lecture about the Service’s 135 years on Tuesday night.

More than 100 people attended his talk at TN Tatem Middle School, hearing little-known tales about the Island’s police heroes and the progression of the Service.

He highlighted Mrs Vickers’ inspiring career — including spearheading a successful Juvenile Liaison Scheme for young offenders — and the fascinating tale of the Island’s remarkably talented first detective, Charles Edward ‘DO’ Simons, who served from 1902 until 1935, when racism meant he could not be officially promoted.

“DO Simons served in the days when black officers were not promoted to the rank of Inspector, and that is maybe the reason why he was always known as ‘Detective Officer’ rather than Detective Inspector,” Mr Sherratt said.

“There is no doubt though that DO had both the ability and charisma to be a natural leader of men. And there was no doubt that he was in charge of black and white officers and highly respected by all.

“Here is a man whose story needs to be told in far more detail. We can’t change history but we can make sure that the legacy of DO Simons is never forgotten.”

Mr Sherratt also praised an “outstanding” Bermudian officer who served in the 1930s, Vernon Jackson — a well-respected and talented man who left the force because his skin colour meant he would not be promoted — and “one of our greatest police Cup Match cricketers”, PC Edward ‘Bosun’ Swainson, the first batsman to score a century in Cup Match in 1937.

Meanwhile yesterday, as officers and former staff gathered at City Hall, police at three of the Island’s stations — Hamilton, Southside and Dockyard — opened their doors to the public today, offering tours and raising awareness about how the stations operate and how the Service works.

The events are all part of this year’s Police Week celebrations, which are designed to help celebrate the Service’s 135th anniversary.

A memorial service paying tribute to police and former police officers who have died will be held at the Police Cemetery at Prospect on Friday morning, while the Police Tattoo takes place on Saturday.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band will perform alongside local talent at the free extravaganza, at the Bermuda National Sports Centre from 7-9pm.

For more information about Police Week, visit www.bps.bm