PC was ‘a father figure’

Police Constable Rommel Douglas was remembered yesterday as a man whose commitment to family began long before he joined the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), with relatives and colleagues saying his life was defined by responsibility, humility and service.Douglas, who was killed on July 28, was laid to rest following a funeral service at the Morvant Central Community Centre on Cipriani Street, Morvant. Among those paying tribute were his younger brother, Mikhail Douglas, and head of the Western Division, Senior Superintendent Sylvester Williams.

KILLED: PC Rommel Douglas.

Reflecting on his brother’s life, Mikhail said Douglas became a father figure to him and their sister while they were growing up after their mother travelled abroad for extended periods to provide for the family.“He stepped in and became the father that we did not have. He made sure there was food on the table, our clothes were ironed and ready for school, and he gave us the security of knowing that although our mother was not there physically, we were safe in his hands,” he said.Mikhail recalled that one of his earliest memories was Douglas using his own money to buy him a FUBU jersey, a pair of Timberland boots, and spending money for a school bazaar.“At the time, I felt like I had all the money in the world. And for Rommel, he simply wanted me to enjoy myself,” he said.Mikhail said his brother always put the needs of others ahead of his own and carried that approach into fatherhood.Addressing Douglas’ three children, he said their father loved them “more than words can express” and remained actively involved in every aspect of their upbringing.He said Douglas believed parenting meant being present, supporting his children financially and emotionally, attending extracurricular activities and setting standards of right and wrong.“When it came to discipline, he had a firm hand, but it was never because he wanted to be hard. It was because he cared deeply and wanted his children to become the best versions of themselves.”Education was also a priority, Mikhail said, recalling that at the end of every school term his brother would send him voice notes discussing his children’s report cards and identifying areas where they could improve.“He wanted his children to have a better education than he had, and he was passionate about making that happen.”Beyond family life, Mikhail described his brother as someone who quietly looked after relatives, fixing their mother’s vehicle, repairing household items, and always making himself available whenever he was needed.He also spoke about Douglas’ passion for football, saying he had once hoped to become a sports journalist before joining the Police Service.Although his career took a different path, he remained a devoted Real Madrid supporter who could spend hours discussing matches, tactics, and team selections.Senior Superintendent Sylvester Williams, head of the TTPS Western Division where Douglas was stationed, said Douglas served in the Police Service for more than 20 years after enlisting on January 18, 2006.Following his initial posting to the Tobago Division, Douglas was transferred to the Western Division on April 24, 2009, where he served as both a detective and a uniformed officer until his death.Williams said Douglas consistently demonstrated the values expected of a police officer. “Throughout his career, he epitomised the values of our Service as he carried out his duties with professionalism, respect, integrity, dignity, excellence, and an unwavering sense of responsibility,” he said.His characterspoke for himDescribing Douglas as a quiet individual, Williams said he earned respect through his actions rather than words.“In a world where many seek attention and applause, he found strength in humility. He was never one to boast or demand the spotlight.”Williams said Douglas’ calm approach brought reassurance to those around him and earned the trust of both colleagues and the communities he served.He said policing required courage, wisdom and compassion, adding that Douglas answered that calling faithfully throughout his career without seeking recognition.“He allowed his commitment and his character to speak for him.”Williams told mourners Douglas’ legacy extended beyond his years in uniform. “His legacy is not found only in the years he spent wearing the uniform, but also in the countless lives he touched through simple acts of kindness, quiet encouragement and steadfast commitment.”He urged officers to continue drawing inspiration from Douglas’ example, telling mourners “though we say farewell today, we do not say goodbye forever”.Addressing his fallen colleague directly at the close of his tribute, Williams said, “Your watch on earth is complete. You served your family, your country and your community, with quiet dignity and unwavering commitment. You fought the good fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith.”