A highly awarded police officer who served in almost every branch of the service has retired after 42 years.

Staff Officer Calvin Smith stepped down on Monday after a career recognised in 2016 with the Overseas Territories Police Medal.

Mr Smith said: “It was very sad to experience the final day of service in the BPS as the Commissioner's Staff Officer.

“However, I thoroughly enjoyed my policing career and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Mr Smith, who joined the Bermuda Police Service in 1984, had already served in the Royal Bermuda Regiment from 1979.

His police career included extensive experience in the Criminal Investigation Department and the Serious Crime Unit.

He was also head of Special Branch and the Government Security Officer.

Mr Smith’s detective work won him 14 Commissioner’s Commendations.

Mr Smith was the tasking manager in the Intelligence Division from 2008 and attended several overseas courses.

Mr Smith was recognised with two Commissioner’s Merit Awards, one Bermuda Reserve Police Merit Award, 30 Letters of Good Work, and the Bermuda Police Service Long Service Award after18 years in the job.

He won trophies and certificates for island and overseas sports tournaments as well as the 2007-08 Bermuda Police Service Officer of the Year Award and the 2009 Man of the Year Award.

Mr Smith has also been involved with the Police Week Committee since 2007.

In 2018 he was voted president of the BPS Ex-Police Officers’ Association in 2018 and still holds the post.

Mr Smith became the Commissioner of Police’s Staff Officer in March 2016 as a Chief Inspector and served until Monday.

He assisted former commissioner Michael DeSilva and present commissioner Stephen Corbishley.

Mr Smith’s has protected visiting members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers and overseas dignitaries.

He has also held positions in several sporting bodies, including the Bermuda Football Association, St George’s Cricket Club and North Village Community Club.

Mr Smith thanked his loved ones for their support, particularly his partner Lisa Rivas, his two children Justin and Dominque, and grandchildren Solaé and Cali.