Phillip Every, a longstanding police officer who presided over Bermuda’s marine police division, has died at age 69.

The British former chief inspector, who served in Bermuda for 30 years, died on September 1 in Horsham, Sussex.

Mr Every was “a very popular and highly respected police officer who was also very liked by all who served with him”, according to the Bermuda Ex Police Association.

Offering condolences to Mr Every’s wife, Nicky, along with his colleagues, friends and relatives, the group said a memorial service would be planned for Bermuda.

Mr Every started his career on the island at age 22 in 1971, according to the Bermuda Police Service.

In March 1982 he was promoted to sergeant, and rose to the rank of inspector in March 1986, when he became the officer in charge of the marine police.

A keen rugby player, Mr Every also chaired the police team. He also helped run the Bermuda Bravery Awards during the 1990s.

Mr Every concluded his local career, which included central uniform, traffic and the Emergency Measures Organisation as well as the marine section, in January 2001.

He held the Colonial Police Long Service Medal, which he was awarded in November 1986.