LASCO, through the LASCO Chin Foundation, in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is deep in preparations for the annual Saluting Our Heroes Awards, which recognise officers whose dedication to service, professionalism, community engagement, and leadership exemplify the values of policing in Jamaica. 

The finalists, selected from across the JCF’s five main policing areas, as well as its non-geographical formations, will be celebrated at the 2026 LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards on Monday, October 12, 2026, under the theme, “One Mission, One Standard, One Force for Good: Celebrating Our Heroes.”

The theme speaks to the collective responsibility of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to uphold a shared mission and standard of professionalism while working together to serve, protect, and build safer communities.

Contending for the “Top Cop” title are: Area 1 finalist Sergeant Darrall Ellis of the Hanover Division; Area 2 finalist Sergeant Saneisha Johnson-Watkis of the St. Ann Division; Area 3 finalist Corporal Shevana Burns of the Manchester Division; Area 4 finalist Constable Nicholas Linton of the St. Andrew South Division; Area 5 finalist Constable Joel Robinson of the St. Catherine North Division; and Sergeant Ricardo McCalpin, representing the JCF’s non-geographical formations. Final judging took place on Friday, September 18, at the LASCO Red Hills office, where the finalists were assessed as part of the final stage of the selection process.

Strengthening officers’ ability to communicate

The finalists represent a range of policing experiences and areas of service, from frontline policing and community safety to youth development, mentorship, welfare, crime prevention and community-building initiatives. 

Following the judging, the finalists participated in a Communication Skills Workshop facilitated by experienced broadcaster and communication specialist Paula-Anne Porter Jones. The session focused on strengthening the officers’ ability to speak with greater clarity, confidence, and professionalism in their interactions with colleagues, members of the public and the media. 

Ce’zanne Chin, Corporate Communications Officer, commended the finalists for their performance during the judging process and the work they continue to do in their communities. She encouraged them to use the skills gained through the workshop to confidently represent themselves, the JCF, and the communities they serve. 

“I am very, very impressed with everything that you all have done in your communities, everything that you stand for, and the work and discipline that you have put in,” said Chin. “As you move forward from this competition and this entire programme, I want you to be able to present yourself in a way that is truly representative of the JCF, the work that you do, and your own authentic self.”

“Today’s session was very impactful. The skills I learned helped me to identify some of my shortcomings, particularly the fact that I tend to speak very fast because there is a lot of information in my head that I want to get out,” said Sergeant Darrall Ellis. “I also recognise the importance of following the listener’s pace. The session pointed out to me that people may hear what you are saying, but that does not necessarily mean they are processing the information, so I have to be more mindful of how I communicate.”

Similarly, Sergeant Ricardo McCalpin, who serves as the National Police Youth Club Coordinator, said the workshop was particularly valuable given the numerous speaking engagements he undertakes with young people. He noted that, “The lessons gained will help me to communicate more effectively and strengthen my ability to connect with the youth I serve, my colleagues and the relevant stakeholders.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips also stopped by to offer words of encouragement to the six finalists, commending them for reaching this stage of the competition and reminding them of the responsibility that comes with their role as LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes programme ambassadors. He emphasised the importance of making the most of the experience, noting that regardless of the final outcome, the officers now have a platform from which their voices will be heard and their actions closely observed by the public.

“It doesn’t really matter what the final result will be. People want to hear from you [as ambassadors] and they will be listening to you very clearly. I want to commend you for reaching this far. The six of you should really make the best use of this experience,” ACP Phillips expressed.

Broad and evolving role of policing

The finalists’ professional achievements reflect the broad and evolving role of policing in Jamaica. 

Sergeant Ellis, who serves as Sub-Officer in charge of the Lucea Police Station, has more than two decades of service and has also served as Sub-Officer in charge of the Hanover Traffic Department and as the Divisional Constabulary Communication Liaison Officer. Sergeant Johnson-Watkis, of the St. Ann Division, has distinguished herself through her work inn welfare, youth engagement, domestic violence prevention and community development. Meanwhile, Sergeant McCalpin has played a significant role in the development of Jamaica’s safe-school and youth engagement initiatives, including the National Safe School Mentorship Programme, launched in 2014 across 40 schools on the island.

Constable Robinson has focused on community safety and youth engagement through his work as a School Resource Officer in the St. Catherine North Division, supporting students, teachers, and school administrators. Constable Linton has conceptualised and initiated the GET Programme — ‘Grow, Evolve, Thrive,’ a youth-development initiative designed to connect young people with meaningful skills-training opportunities. Corporal Burns has built her professional journey around leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to youth empowerment. Now serving as an Operations Clerk at Area 3 Police Headquarters, she plays a key role in supporting operational planning, strategic briefings, station inspections, and other administrative functions.

The LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards, scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, will provide an opportunity to celebrate the six finalists and acknowledge the wider contribution of the police personnel who work daily to uphold public safety, support vulnerable communities and strengthen relationships with the people they serve. 

Through the LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards, the LASCO Chin Foundation and the Jamaica Constabulary Force continue their longstanding partnership to recognise officers who demonstrate outstanding dedication, professionalism and a strong commitment to service. This year marks 26th anniversary of the partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to honouring excellence and supporting the important work of members of the JCF.