Published: Friday December 18, 2009
Issuing over 700 tickets and making eight arrests since the start of the year, Sharma Brown has personified hard work and dedication, and is now reaping the fruits of his labour after winning the Special Constable of the Year Award.
Jumping the gun, Brown had begun to march towards the podium where the award was being mentioned when he realised he had not yet been called.
An expectant audience saw the humour in the moment as Brown returned to sit with the 22 finalists for the award and burst into fits of laughter.
"I was expecting to be in the top three, and when I heard the first two names and I wasn't among them, I became concerned, so I just gave up at that time," confessed Brown.
Excitement
But when he heard an introduction for the winner mentioning the school he attended, excitement took over. "I could have sworn that someone called my name," he said smiling.
Brown copped the top prize of $250,000 at the annual Commandant's Parade and Special Constable of the Year Award at Harman Barracks on Wednesday.
Nicolette Vassell placed second and collected $150,000 while Michael Jones won third and earned $75,000.
Brown told The Gleaner that racking up 700 tickets was not difficult because many offences were being committed.
"In our attempt to bring law and order to society and to bring stability to the public, we have to put in certain measures to stem disorder, the high crime rate and violence in our country."
Loves his job
The former Aabuthnott Gallimore student joined the ISCF in 2004, thinking of it as just a way to earn money. However, Brown has grown to love the profession dearly. "Over a period of time, having the opportunity to help people who are seriously in need, that is my motivation," he said.
Brown wants to surpass the rank of inspector in 10 years and also wants to further his education.
According to the budding star, one of the biggest challenges facing police today are those in the force guilty of corruption. This, he says, makes dealing with citizens troublesome at times.
"When you are expected to go back out the very next day, facing public scrutiny having to answer to something that someone else has done, that is a challenge."
"When you are expected to go back out the very next day, facing public scrutiny having to answer to something that someone else has done, that is a challenge."
However, Brown constantly reminds himself that he was not involved in the commission of any offence and has much to give.
"That gives me the drive to continue to serve, telling myself that I can make a difference, no matter how slight," he said, adding that the smallest good deed can make a difference.