The family of former commissioner of police Jean-Jacques Lemay has thanked Bermuda for its support after he was killed in a road accident in Canada earlier this month.

Marc Morabito, a friend of the family, said “The family is grateful for the messages and flowers.

“Jean-Jacques and his family had fun memories of Bermuda; they felt accepted.

“They had many friends in Bermuda and cherished their time here.”

Mr Lemay, killed in a three vehicle crash in Ottawa on December 16, came to Bermuda in 1997 as Deputy Commissioner of Police after a distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where he achieved the rank of Chief Superintendent.

He was appointed Commissioner of Police a year later and left the post to return to Canada in 2001.

The Bermuda Police Service said Mr Lemay used his administrative and personnel experience to make significant changes in police policies and procedures during his time on the island.

He introduced a new promotion process, a grievance policy and reintroduced the police cadet programme.