A murdered Trinidad and Tobago police officer will receive a posthumous national award for his dedication to duty.
National Security Minister John Sandy told reporters Monday he discussed the award for constable Elton John with Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert, who endorsed the decision.
John, 27, was shot on Friday at the Arima Market in eastern Trinidad when he attempted to arrest a man. The suspect, identified as Wendell Daniel, was killed in a shootout with police hours after the incident.
"He was a true hero. A true policeman in that he could not have kept himself away from doing his duty. He went as a hero and we must remember him as a hero," Sandy said.
Philbert said it was a tragedy that the incident had occurred and that it had occurred because of the availability of illegal guns. He said there are plans in place to ensure that illegal firearms are taken off the streets.
Reporters asked the police chief is he would consider handing off-duty officers guns to protect themselves. He said, "We have discussed that matter several times over and we will reconsider it, but we still have to follow certain guidelines...there are certain rules that we can't breach."
John's mother, Rosemary John, told reporters her priority now is to find out how her son died and to arrange for his funeral.
National Security Minister John Sandy told reporters Monday he discussed the award for constable Elton John with Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert, who endorsed the decision.
John, 27, was shot on Friday at the Arima Market in eastern Trinidad when he attempted to arrest a man. The suspect, identified as Wendell Daniel, was killed in a shootout with police hours after the incident.
"He was a true hero. A true policeman in that he could not have kept himself away from doing his duty. He went as a hero and we must remember him as a hero," Sandy said.
Philbert said it was a tragedy that the incident had occurred and that it had occurred because of the availability of illegal guns. He said there are plans in place to ensure that illegal firearms are taken off the streets.
Reporters asked the police chief is he would consider handing off-duty officers guns to protect themselves. He said, "We have discussed that matter several times over and we will reconsider it, but we still have to follow certain guidelines...there are certain rules that we can't breach."
John's mother, Rosemary John, told reporters her priority now is to find out how her son died and to arrange for his funeral.
No comments:
Post a Comment