Bermuda?s new Police Commissioner showed his softer side by paying an emotional tribute to his wife and family during his swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

George Jackson broke down in tears in front of senior officers and dignitaries as he spoke of owing everything to his wife Sharon and their six children.

Mr. Jackson ? who has a reputation within the Police for being a tough disciplinarian ? later dismissed the tears he shed during an otherwise stuffy ceremonial occasion as ?a moment of weakness?.

But the new top cop won the hearts of the crowd who warmly applauded as he broke off mid-way through his speech to hug Sharon, who was watching proudly along with five of their children.

Mr. Jackson, 53, has more than 30 years experience in the Bermuda Police Service, beginning as a P.c. on uniform patrol in Hamilton after being recruited from his native home of St. Vincent.

Yesterday, he officially took over from former Commissioner Jonathan Smith to whom he was previously second in command. Taking the opportunity to thank those who had entrusted him with the top job, he then turned to a more personal subject.

?To my family, particularly my wife: you have sacrificed much so that I can give more time to public service. To my children: you have also given up a lot, and I?m grateful to you all. Without your sacrifices I would not be where I am today,? he said.

Clearly overcome with emotion, he walked away from the podium to engage in a long embrace with Mrs. Jackson as cries of ?well done? emanated from the audience.

Returning to deliver the rest of his speech, he said: ?I must apologise for the moment of weakness but without their support I would not be where I am. As everyone knows, I have a large family and I have spent considerable time away from them, but my wife has been a tower of strength and kept them all together.?

Speaking after the ceremony, he told : ?I was not overwhelmed by anything until I started addressing my family. Words cannot describe how I felt ? it was the culmination of years of service.?

And Mrs. Jackson said of her husband?s warm gesture: ?I was surprised ? I don?t think he planned to do that. You all loved that didn?t you?!?

She explained that Mr. Jackson has often had to spend long periods abroad because of the demands of his job, visiting England, Africa, Barbados and Canada this year alone.

?It was hard him being away so much because of his career and I wished sometimes he didn?t have to do it,? she said.

?He is going to have a tough job now but I don?t think it will be any harder for us than it has been until now. I?m not really into ceremony but I am enjoying this day to its fullest as he and I deserve that.

?I hope people try to support him in his job as it?s not going to be easy.?