Commandant Eugene Vickers last night became the first born Bermudian to head Bermuda's part-time Police Service.

Commandant Vickers officially took over from retiring Commandant John Moore in a ceremony at Prospect.

And he said afterwards: "I've been looking forward to this -- it's fantastic.'' Mr. Vickers added his top priority is boosting Reserve Police managers -- sergeants and above -- by training sessions with regular officers of the same rank.

He said: "The reason for that is any time we have a crisis in the future, the Reserves would be quite capable of managing all the stations with great competence.

"If we reach that level, we have reached a goal I've been looking at for many years.'' But Mr. Vickers added that -- compared to other reserve forces he had seen in Canada, Barbados and the UK -- the Bermuda Reserves were trained and capable to a far higher standard.

He said: "We don't just do crowd control -- we work in every area the regulars work in and supply people every day of the week.'' Earlier, Governor Thorold Masefield, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox and Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay paid tribute to the new Commandant and his predecessor -- and praised the work of the Reserve force.

Police reserve changes command Mr. Masefield said his father had served as a Special Constable in England -- and he knew the sacrifices part-time Police made to serve their community.

He added: "We're witnessing the departure of an outstanding Commandant who has given some 20 years of service to the Reserve Police -- 12 of those as Commandant.'' And Mr. Masefield told Mr. Vickers: "We also salute you as the first born Bermudian to hold the position of Commandant -- we welcome you and look forward to working with you.'' Ms Cox added: "I think what we're here to celebrate is the ideal and the principle that we must turn to each other and not on each other.

"And that is the noble and loyal just cause which the Reserves are dedicated to.'' She told Mr. Vickers: "You have a tremendous job ahead of you and we're living in changing times and times when the Reserve force becomes even more critical as they assist the Police to carry out their functions.

"I have no doubt you will exceed everyone's expectations.'' Mr. Lemay thanked Ch. Insp. Gerry Robinson -- who drilled the honour guard of Reserves and regular officers for the handover of command ceremony.

He added: "On behalf of all the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, both uniformed and civilian, I'd like to extend a very special thanks to members of the Reserves.

"You are an excellent organisation and one we can always count on for support.''