behind Bermuda's National Drugs Intelligence Unit, has left the Police Force after 25 years of service.

Despite serving in various capacities, including in the investigation of the murders of Governor the late Sir Richard Sharples and his A.D.C. Capt. Hugh Sayers in 1973, Ch. Insp. Butterworth retired at the age of 47.

Acting Ch. Insp. Foster Burke is expected to replace him.

A former colleague, retired superintendent Andrew Bermingham, who worked with Ch. Insp. Butterworth for 22 years, said yesterday he deserved the Country's praise for a number of important contributions he made to the Force, including the introduction of the National Drugs Intelligence Unit in the last six years.

"Assisted initially by Mr. Gordon Phillips of Customs and a very small team of Police officers, he deserves Bermuda's thanks for basically, almost single-handedly building up the unit into a very effective arm of law enforcement in relation to the war on drugs -- despite a number of obstacles in his path. He will be a great loss to the Police Force,'' Mr. Bermingham said.

Ch. Insp. Butterworth was transferred to Special Branch at the age of 24.

He was promoted to Sergeant in April, 1981; to Inspector in October, 1989; and to Chief Inspector in September, 1991.

His 22-year service in Special Branch required his participation in close protection of many VIPs visiting Bermuda, including The Queen and Prince Phillip, former US President George Bush and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and current Prime Minister John Major.

In November, 1972, Ch. Insp. Butterworth received a Commissioner's Commendation for Police work.

Ch. Insp. Butterworth