Police Federation and Security Minister react to Corporal Bent’s death

The body representing the island's rank and file policemen and women says Thursday's incident in which a Corporal drowned while on the job underscores the challenges being faced by members in fighting crime.

The Police Federation Chairman, Sergeant Raymond Wilson notes that with the challenges, it is seeking the support of the public in assisting the police in carrying out their duties.

Sergeant Wilson while also expressing condolences to family and associates of Corporal Bent is wishing well for other cops injured in Thursday's incident.    

And Minister of National Security, Dwight Nelson has reacted with sorrow to the unfortunate series of events which led to the death of Corporal Vincent Bent on Thursday.

Senator Nelson noted that Corporal Bent was actively executing his duties when tragedy struck in an unusual way.

He said the young policeman made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of his mandate as a law enforcement officer and paid dearly with his life.

Senator Nelson said Jamaica should be grateful to have had a policeman with the mettle and dedication of Corporal Bent serving them.

The Minister also had high praise for Corporal Bent’s colleague who also got into difficulty in the Rio Cobre but was rescued.

He said both policemen demonstrated great courage when they pursued criminals who had engaged them in a shoot-out and gave no thought for their lives.

Senator Nelson expressed hope that the surviving policeman will recover from the ordeal in the shortest possible time.

Corporal Bent who was among a police team chasing criminals on the banks of the Rio Cobre in St. Catherine fell in the water and drowned.