years in the regular service's part-time back-up force, it was announced yesterday.

Master mariner Capt. Moore -- who rose from constable to Commandant in his 28-year career in the Reserves -- will be succeeded in the top job by his number two, Eugene Vickers, who became Deputy Commandant earlier this year.

And Capt. Moore -- who served 12 years as Commandant -- will be given a glittering send-off at a change of command ceremony at the Bermuda Reserve Police headquarters at Prospect on Thursday, September 30.

Capt. Moore, 60, admitted yesterday that he was sad to be quitting -- but had to for health reasons.

He said: "The doctors are very pleased with my recovery -- but they suggested I curtail some of my activities. Unfortunately, this is one of them.

"I've given 28 years of service to the Crown and the people of Bermuda -- and I wish it could be more.'' Capt. Moore added: "It wasn't an easy decision. I think the Bermuda Reserve Police is the finest service organisation in Bermuda and I'm very proud to have been a member.'' And he said: "I'm sure with the organisation we have in place it will go from strength to strength. And I'm sure the next Commandant will have the same support I've always had.'' Capt. Moore, who moved to Bermuda in 1968, said he was inspired to sign up with the reserves by his father-in-law, then a senior officer in the regulars.

He added: "I wanted to give something to the community. I felt that was the best organisation to do that with.

"There are other service organisations which do a wonderful job in Bermuda, but it is, and always has been, my feeling that Reserve Police are a very special organisation.

"They work basically for the people of Bermuda -- and that's what it's all about.'' Guests of honour at the change of command ceremony will include Governor Thorold Masefield and Premier Jennifer Smith.

Capt. Moore -- an executive with shipping agents Meyer -- joined the then-Bermuda Reserve Constabulary in 1971.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1974 and rose through the ranks until being appointed Deputy Commandant in 1987.

Capt. Moore was awarded the Long Service Medal in 1986, the 25-year bar in 1996, and Colonial Police Medal in 1992.

Mr. Vickers joined the Police Reserves in 1963 and was promoted to sergeant in 1975.

He later became chief inspector of the Eastern Division in 1986 and became a superintendent a year later.

Mr. Vickers said one of his biggest priorities was to develop more cross-training between the regular force and the reserves.