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Police Attend Church Service
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Police officers have an undoubtedly responsible occupation which primarily involves the protection of life and property. This role also includes responsibility for keeping of the peace, enforcement of the law, and the investigation of crimes. Officers are expected to be able to respond to a variety of situations that may arise while they are on duty. They also function to discourage crimes through high-visibility policing.
Police are often used as an emergency service and may provide a public safety function at large gatherings, as well as in emergencies, disasters, and search and rescue situations, road traffic collisions. To provide a prompt response in emergencies, the police often coordinate their operations with fire and emergency medical services.
It is obviously a job that requires a significant level of bravery on the part of the dedicated men and women who serve in our force. Police Officers have rules and guidelines which dictate how an officer should act towards the public and in the community. It must be noted that rules and procedures dictate that a police officer is obliged to intervene in a criminal incident, albeit being off-duty.
The officers are very mindful of the fact that their personal protection and guidance are dependent on the grace and mercy of The Almighty God and they visibly demonstrated this belief by attending an 8:00am church service held on Sunday 25th of January 2009, at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Officers arrived at the church in great numbers as they paraded the streets of Castries before making their actual entrance into the church.
The service was officiated by Fr. Michel Francis who is the Cathedral Administrator.
Fr. Francis focused his sermon on the reflection on the lives of all, particularly police officers who put their lives in danger whilst carrying out of their duties.
He also made mention of the recently departed officers, two of whom died tragically and the other who succumbed to an illness. He took the opportunity to urge officers and the congregation at large to be in a state of readiness and preparedness and to constantly call upon God’s intervention whilst carrying out their daily tasks.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Band was also in attendance at the service and graced the congregation with two renditions which were very well received by all.
Officers Reflect on the Sermon
On the March after the Service
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