Police mourn loss of colleague
SGT Francis to be accorded full military honours

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Sergeant Junior Francis

SGT Francis, who is said to have been in his late 30s, departed this life sometime during Saturday evening while warded at the Joseph N. France General Hospital following a brief illness.

Word of his expiration quickly spread which brought about emotions of dismay and grief on persons’ faces, coupled with verbal expressions of disbelief.

SGT Francis became a member of the RSKNPF some 17 years ago and was last attached to the Special Services Unit (SSU).

SKNVibes understands that Francis was ill for sometime and had to be admitted to the JNF during the first week of this month for medical attention.

Inspector Cromwell Henry, Head of the Force’s Press and Public Relations Office, told SKNVibes that the Force is indeed troubled at the loss. He also extended condolences to Francis’ family in their time of bereavement. ~~Adz:Right~~

“We [the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force] are saddened by the loss of our beloved brother and colleague SGT Junior Francis who passed away on 13 December 2008 at the J. N. France General Hospital following a bout of illness. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and other family members…” 

Speaking on his own behalf, Inspector Henry said Francis was one of his course-mates when he underwent initial training. He briefly recalled a few experiences he had with Francis and remembers him as a dedicated individual; a quality he possessed through to the end.

“He was a very dedicated worker and took his work very seriously.  He was very reliable. In fact, he was a course mate of mine and so I can speak personally to the kind of person he was even during our training. He was very easy to get along with and he is someone that the Force would greatly miss,” Henry expressed.

Inspector Henry said announcements of the funeral arrangements will follow shortly and Francis is entitled to and will be accorded full military honours.