Tomilee Chambers proudly accepts Meritorious Service Medal

A police officer for 28 years, Superintendent Tomilee Chambers expressed gratitude on Monday – National Heroes Day – after receiving a Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service.

Superintendent Chambers exuded pride as she approached Governor General Sir Patrick Allen to receive her medal at the 2024 National Honors and Awards Ceremony held at the National Indoor Sports Center in St Andrew.

“I am deeply moved and grateful for this recognition. This award is not only a testament to my efforts, but also to the support of my colleagues, family and friends. I am happy today and inspired to continue striving for excellence and making more meaningful contributions to our country, Jamaica. I’m very, very grateful,” Chambers said.

Her daughter and only son were present to witness her tribute, as were other family members, including sisters and brothers from St Elizabeth, where the superintendent is from and which she described as the best parish in Jamaica.

“Family life is going very well. I have a lovely daughter who is here with me along with my St Elizabeth family, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews,” said Chambers, a former pupil of Balaclava High School in St Elizabeth, which was renamed Roger Clarke High School in 2015. .

The superintendent, who has commanded Kingston’s gritty and violent East Division since October 2020, said she chose to become a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) because she enjoys touching people’s lives.

Chambers was praised on numerous occasions during her tenure as commander for promoting community policing and helping to ensure good relations between residents and police in the many communities patrolled by Kingston Eastern police.

“What inspired me to become a police officer was knowing that, as a member of the JCF, I could touch someone’s life. One of the most important things is knowing that citizens can come to the station and you take care of them. When they leave, you know you touched their lives based on how you cared for them, and based on how you follow up and remind them that no matter what happens, we are here to serve them, protect them, and reassuring,” she told Jamaica Observer.

Chambers highlighted two retired JCF members who she said were sources of encouragement to her early in her career.

“Retired Superintendent Ionie Ramsay Nelson was my commander at St Andrew Central Division and I remember when I transferred from there to Kingston Eastern, she said, ‘Listen to me, go ahead.’ She said she knew great things awaited me. She was encouraging and up until this point, every day she reminds me of when I would go to Kingston Eastern. She would say, ‘I told you and look at you now. Just keep the flag flying high. I am very happy for her support. Retired Sergeant Brendalyn Chisolm was also one of my mentors at St Andrew Central Division. Here I am now.”

Ramsay was a proud woman indeed on Monday as she watched her protégé be honored.

“I coached her at St Andrew Central. When the force was looking for a community relations officer, I left my division without one and sent her to Kingston East as a constable, and she rose through the ranks with hard work, excellent relationships with the community and her team. They love it like cooked food,” Ramsay said.