Three reserve police officers have been honoured after putting in almost a 100 years of frontline service fighting crime.

Retiring Reserve Constables Clayton Fleming, Millard Rawlins and Carmel Amory were presented with plaques in recognition of their dedication to duty at a ceremony at police headquarters at Prospect.

Reserve Constable Fleming joined the service in 1986, reaching the rank of sergeant. Most of his time in uniform was spent voluntarily assisting the marine police but he often performed land-based duties when required.

Reserve Constable Rawlins signed up in 1988 and reached the rank of inspector, sometimes serving as acting chief inspector. He joined the roads policing unit team as a qualified laser speed detector operator and also trained as a truck driver.

Reserve Constable Amory was recruited 26 years ago and was actively engaged in frontline operational policing during his years of service.

While the retirement of the three senior reserve officers will leave a gap in the ranks, others have stepped in to fill the void. During the ceremony, four new reserve officers were presented with certificates after completing their three months of basic training.

Reserve Constables Randolf Bakabak, Holly Lavigne-Smith, Tahirah Simmons and Krislyn Lambert, all spoke of their pride in being able to serve their country in the pursuit of justice.

Reserve Constable Lambert summed up the mood of the new recruits.

She said: “I understand what is expected of me in my role as a reserve police officer, and I intend to meet each challenge and obstacle with professionalism, an open mind, strong judgment and a commitment to not only serving Bermuda, but to being an example for others in the community to emulate.”

Reserve Constable Bakabak added: “I will wear my police uniform with utmost pride as it would be an honour to serve this country and give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

The ceremony also marked the official promotion of two senior officers.

Sharnita Tankard is now an Inspector, having moved steadily through the ranks after joining the Bermuda Police Service in 1987 as a cadet.

Inspector Tankard worked as a parish officer, before becoming involved in the specialised investigation of crimes relating to the exploitation of children, finding missing persons and handling cases of senior abuse and neglect through the force’s vulnerable persons unit.

Marina Jn Pierre has obtained the rank of sergeant after joining the BPS in 2008. She now serves as a patrol officer in the community policing division at Southside Police Station.