Double heartbreak for police

What was meant to be a day of farewell turned into double heartbreak for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Saturday.

As members of the force gathered to lay Constable Christopher Condappa to rest, mourning his untimely death in a tragic motor vehicle accident, news came that another traffic officer, Constable Eric Evans, had been killed in a similar crash.

Evans, 30, who was assigned to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, lost his life after his service motorcycle was struck by a Toyota Coaster bus on Goshen Road, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth. He sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Police High Command expressed deep sorrow, extending condolences to the families, friends of Evans.

Just a month earlier, on Monday, November 10, 34-year-old Condappa, who was assigned to the Moneague Traffic Department, died as a result of injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle collision on Anglican Street, Moneague, St Ann.

Reports indicate that at about 2:30 p.m., Condappa was driving his service motorcycle along the roadway; when a Suzuki Swift motor car travelling in the opposite direction collided with him. He sustained multiple injuries and was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Condappa was laid to rest following a service at Ranch Church of the Nazarene, Highgate, St Mary, on Saturday. He was remembered for his faithful service, his honourable character, and his steadfast commitment to duty.

Condappa was enlisted on May 28, 2012, and, according to force chaplain Dr Gary A. Buddoo-Fletcher, he had served the people of Jamaica with strength, discipline, and unwavering professionalism.

Assistant Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland described him as a dedicated officer whose commitment to duty and devotion to country will continue to resonate far beyond his passing.

"He was admired for his calm presence, respectful demeanour, and steadfast integrity," Sutherland said.

"He carried out his duty not for praise, but from a genuine commitment to protecting and uplifting those he served," the senior cop said.