retires this month.

Deputy Commissioner Harold Moniz steps down on April 27 after 39 years in the force.

It is understood he was told he would have to retire by Governor Thorold Masefield -- despite raising his own objections.

Mr. Moniz, awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the New Year's Honours List, declined to be interviewed on his retirement.

But Mr. Lemay said: "Mr. Moniz' departure will be a great loss to the Bermuda Police Service and to the local community.

"He is wished every success and much happiness in his retirement.'' Mr. Moniz retires as the Force Discipline Officer, having once been suspended himself.

He joined Police as a constable in 1959, rising through CID and Narcotics to the position of Superintendent in 1980 and Assistant Commissioner in 1981.