Forty-one retired police personnel were on Thursday recognised for yeoman service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The retirees served a total of 1,600 years in the police force.

The lawmen were lauded and presented with plaques during a function at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Guest speaker, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, implored the ex-officers to make themselves available to assist in helping persons wanting to join the force.

"You have the training and expertise to help make the change that is needed to fight crime. And, if not locally, you can also help out in other countries, as it is everybody's problem," said Patterson. "Moreover, there should be focal point across borders to tackle the criminals.''

Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, and Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin praised the retired officers and invited them to be part of the constabulary's modernisation thrust.

Among the awardees were 24 deputy superintendents six superintendents, eight senior superintendents, two assistant com-missioners, and former police chief Lucius Thomas.

"This is a day that we will always remember. It is not regular that a group is recognised before they are dead, so for the Police Officers' Association and the commissioner, giving us this token simply could not be better," remarked Thomas.

Controversial crime fighter, retired Senior Superintendent Reneto Adams, who served the force for 41 years, was among the recipients.