As it does twice every year, the Bermuda Police Service gained a batch of fresh Bermudian recruits yesterday during a passing out parade and ceremony at CedarBridge Academy's gymnasium.

More than one hundred friends and family witnessed the parade and inspection of the 13 new constables by Deputy Governor Tim Gurney. Premier Jennifer Smith, Public Safety Minister Paula Cox and Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay were also in attendance.

Ms Cox, addressing the recruits, said: "The going may have been tough but you did it...and showed how the tough get going.'' She also commended the wide knowledge base of the officers, many of whom had studied in non-policing fields, and said it would assist them in serving the community.

Mr. Lemay thanked families for support of the recruits, and acknowledged that many may have been apprehensive about their children entering the Police Service because of the potential danger involved. One woman whose son was among the recruits quietly replied: "Yes''.

Mr. Lemay continued: "Thank you for instilling those values that have led them to serve their community.'' "I am sure that among these ranks, we have a future commissioner, deputy commissioner and several superintendents,'' he said.

Kimberley Roberts, who won the award for best all-round athlete, an award for the fastest time on the recruits' final ten-kilometre run and the Baton of Honour for her consistent level of high achievement, said she always wanted to be a policewoman.

"Either that or a firefighter,'' the 23-year-old said. "The training was pretty difficult, but all 13 of us made it through.'' Derek Simmons was awarded the Mylod Cup for the best effort. The 34-year-old former electronics technician said he signed up for the programme for a change of pace and a physical and mental challenge.

"This is the beginning of the rest of my life,'' he said. "Working with people in their 20s, I feel just as young as them...young at heart.'' The ten male and three female recruits were chosen from more than 100 applicants for the 59th foundation course, and all thirteen passed the rigorous 16-week programme of physical training and instruction in law, first aid, officer safety and ethics "designed to establish a solid foundation in policing skills''. During their training, the recruits also collected 1,840 pounds of litter and raised $2,030 for Agape House.

The new Police constables will remain under the guidance of trainers for a further six weeks before they are left on their own. The service, which was just last year forced to import several officers, is in dire need of their fresh blood.

The other recruits were Dale Jackson, Glensworth Bailey, Steve Darrell, James Eli, David Strong, Tammy Robinson, Micha- -el Zanders, Chickaya Darrell, Shannon Swan, Teledo Breary and Janet Stovell.

Top recruits: New Police constables Kimberley Roberts and Derek Simmons after yesterday's passing out ceremony at CedarBridge Academy. P.c. Roberts was awarded the prize for best all-round athlete, the Instructor's Cup for the fastest time on the final ten-kilometre run and the Baton of Honour for her consistent level of high achievement. P.c. Simmons received the Mylod Cup for the best effort among the 13 trainees.

Photos by Nigel Richardson Recruit parade: Deputy Governor Tim Gurney, centre, inspects new Police constable Kimberley Roberts during a Passing Out ceremony at CedarBridge Academy yesterday. Accompanying Mr. Gurney were, from left of centre, Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay, Michael DeSilva, parade commander and officer in charge of the training school, and Lt. Col. David Gibbons, commanding officer of the Bermuda Regiment. P.c. Roberts was the recipient of three trainee awards, including the Baton of Honour, which goes to the cadet with the most consistent level of high achievement.