A long-serving police officer has been hailed for a career that smashed several illegal drug rings and left the island safer.

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament was commended by police commissioner Darrin Simons for 38 years of faithful service to the community.

Mr Field-Lament, known to colleagues as “SFL”, joined the service as a constable on May 31, 1985, climbing the ranks to the post of superintendent in 2012.

He was highlighted for his “fearless, no-nonsense approach as a narcotics investigator”.

Mr Field-Lament’s final posting was as Head of the Intelligence Unit, where his long experience as an investigator was said to be key in dismantling illicit operations as well as putting some of the island’s most dangerous criminals behind bars.

An avid rugby player, he served as captain of the men’s national squad and went on to become president of the Bermuda Rugby Football Association.

Mr Field-Lament was instrumental in developing the Beyond Rugby Bermuda youth development programme.

Mr Simons said he would be fondly remembered for “his investigative acumen and his big, kind heart”.

“Around the boardroom table, he was often insightful, with an uncanny ability to see the big picture, and a very spirited approach.”

He added: “Like all true ruggers, Sean was a bruiser, but one with a soft centre.

“He is well respected among his peers and an asset to our community.

“Please join me in wishing him a very long, happy and well deserved retirement.”

Mr Simons thanked him for “all that you’ve done to make the Bermuda Police Service better and our community safer”.