A dedicated former police officer with a flair for painting and writing has been remembered for her “dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties”.

Tirena Rollins took solace from her long hours of police work in painting, telling The Royal Gazettein 2014, as she prepared to exhibit her work at the Bermuda Society of Arts: “The job is very exciting and interesting, but it can be very hard to leave it behind at the end of the day.”

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said: “Tirena's impact extended beyond her professional achievements.

“A passionate advocate for fitness, she enjoyed running, football and working out with her colleagues.

“She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24 race and played football for Dandy Town before joining the police football team.”

Mr Simons added: “Her caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities.

“Tirena was known for her big heart and her desire to help others, often going out of her way to assist those in need.

“Her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.”

Ms Rollins loved art from childhood, excelling at the subject in high school.

She took a break from painting after joining the Bermuda Police Service as a cadet in August 1981 to give back to the community — but gradually returned to art and began painting abstracts as well as writing poetry.

She had her first show in 2004 to celebrate her 40th birthday, and used the occasion to raise money for charity.

Additionally, in the wake of her retirement from the police force, she forged ahead in the water trucking industry.

Ms Rollins was appointed as a police officer in April 1983, and Mr Simons said she served with distinction until her final day on the job on April 27, 2019 — her 55th birthday.

He added: “After successfully completing her initial training, Tirena joined the original C Watch Central.

“Her passion for investigations became evident early in her career when she was transferred to the Women's Policing Division, now known as the Vulnerable Persons Unit.

“She later joined Central CID and was confirmed as a detective constable on November 25, 1988.”

Ms Rollins passed her sergeant's exam in April 2000 and was promoted to the rank in June 2002.

Mr Simons added: “Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties.”

He said her favourite number was 10, which held significant meaning throughout her life — from her football jersey to the date of her passing.

Painting helped Ms Rollins to unwind from the rigours of the job, and she often worked deep into the night.

“It comes from my soul,” she told the Gazette. “I don’t know what is going to come out until it is done.”

She left her paintings untitled to leave them open to the viewer’s interpretation.

Her principal medium was acrylic on canvas, but she also found expression in oil painting and charcoal on paper.

Ms Rollins’s artwork, which she framed herself, decorated the walls of the court liaison department, and sold for charitable causes at police auctions.

In recent years, she moved into a traditionally male-dominated industry, trucking water for Liquid Gold Water.

Tirena Liane Rollins, a distinguished police sergeant and artist, was born on April 27, 1964. She died on December 10, 2024, aged 60