Being strong doesn’t always mean hiding one’s emotions.
This was shown to be the case on Thursday morning, when Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer bid members of the force goodbye during a ceremony in honour of his years of service.
Shortly after speeches from Governor Boyd McCleary and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, Mr. Frazer inspected about 70 police officers, who participated in a parade in honour of his retirement.
After the inspection, he took the podium to give his last public speech as a member of the RVIPF. But it wasn’t an easy task. Mr. Frazer stood in front of the microphone for nearly two minutes without saying a word, then looked away, then lowered his head. As he fought tears, his wife, Ruth Frazer, walked to the podium and embraced him until he managed to complete his speech.
“Well, I’m supposed to be tough, right? Well, it is not always the case,” Mr. Frazer said as he gathered himself to speak with the officers, who he exhorted to be courteous, dutiful and community-minded.
Saturday will be Mr. Frazer’s last active day as commissioner, after serving the force for 38 years, according to Mr. McCleary. Mr. Frazer entered the force as a constable and worked his way up until he was appointed commissioner in 2005. Deputy Commissioner David Morris will act in his place after his retirement.
See the April 5, 2012 edition for full coverage.