CAREER-wise, life seems to have come full circle for the Rev. Lloyd Duncan.

Having worked as an officer for ten years, he was ironically reappointed to the Police Service last week - as its chaplain.

"Having worked on the force for ten years, I can only assume (they) thought it would be a great marriage if I were to come on," the 39-year-old Bermudian said. "As a former officer, I will be able to draw on past experiences. Hopefully, that will work to my advantage and hopefully, I'll be able to rekindle some of the past relationships I had when I worked there."

Today, pastor of Greater Smith Hill New Testament Church of God in Pembroke, Mr. Duncan was exposed to religion and religious leadership at an early age. His parents, John and Evelyn Duncan, were the founding pastors of the church at which he now officiates.

"Both were ministers," he explained, "but my father was the pastor of the church and held that role for over a quarter of a century. So I grew up in the church and its environment and, through my parents, was exposed to (religion) at an early age. They never pushed us or coerced me or my brothers into joining (the ministry). It just turned out that one of their sons followed them into the church."

Like most children, said Mr. Duncan, he left high school unsure what he wanted to do with his life. He entered the Bermuda College but left after a year to join the force.

IN 1991, he decided to pursue a higher calling, and left the island for Charlotte, North Carolina to attend East Coast Bible College. There, he obtained, first, an Associate, and then a Bachelor's degree in biblical studies. On completion, he returned to the island and for six years worked for International Bonded Couriers (IBC).

Although the job deviated from his field of study, Mr. Duncan continued his religious education. Through correspondance courses, he earned a Master's degree in Christian counselling and a Doctorate of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia. His wife of 17 years, Shanda, obtained the same degree.

"On December 5, 1999, I assumed my parents' reins (as pastor) of the church," he said.

He said he was pleased with his recent appointment which stemmed, he believed, from a blessing he gave at a police ceremony. The force has been without a chaplain since the last one, Andrew Doughty, stepped down in September 2001.

"I think it helped that (my) church is located close to police headquarters," he added, "but I am very excited about it. (It will be my duty) to help with the morale of those on the police force; to work closely with the Commissioner, Jonathan Smith, to foster well-being, to offer spiritual light and advice to those in need, to encourage high standards of moral conduct and to be of comfort to those who are stressed and bereaved."

Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have two children - a daughter, Shaloi, aged eight, and a son, Joshua, who was born two months ago.

The Greater Smith Hill New Testament Church of God is located at 28 Curving Avenue in Pembroke.