Corporal Junior Thompson Takes Home LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Award
Top six finalists receive surprise promotion
In a distinguished celebration of service and excellence, the LASCO Chin Foundation and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) highlighted some of the finest police officers committed to community safety and development at the Saluting Our Heroes Awards event. Held today (on Friday, October 25) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under the theme, “Transforming the Present, Securing the Future,” the ceremony saw the newly appointed Corporal Junior Thompson receiving the LASCO Chairman’s Award, the highest honour.
Thompson (formerly ranked as Constable), along with the other finalists who were selected from the 157 police officers celebrated for their outstanding service and positive impact on their communities for the Chairman’s Award, would have received a surprise promotion of their ranks during the ceremony.
Corporal Thompson, is currently assigned to the Area 5 Headquarters plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational accountability and efficiency across the division. His expertise, dedication to service, and leadership did not go unnoticed. After a rigorous interview process, a panel of evaluators from the Area 5 Headquarters unanimously selected Thompson as the most suitable candidate to represent the area in the competition for the top cop title.
A key element of Thompson’s success is his commitment to capacity building within the JCF. He has taken the initiative to lecture fellow officers on the Administrative Review Policy and Standard Operating Procedures, playing a significant role in strengthening the force’s operations. His contributions extend beyond training; having led policy review discussions during area tasking meetings, aiding the improvement of operational protocols.
Thompson’s leadership extends into community development as well. As a dedicated leader in both the Above Rocks and Constant Spring Police Youth Clubs, he has spearheaded several transformative projects including initiatives to create a community park in the Cassava Piece neighbourhood and the construction of a much-needed bus stop in Above Rocks.
Upon receiving the LASCO Chairman’s Award, Thompson said: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and service of my colleagues and the communities we protect. I am honoured to represent Area 5 and the JCF in this capacity, and I remain committed to transforming the present while securing the future.”
Further expressing gratitude to LASCO, he said, “To Mr. James Rawle, Professor Rosalea Hamilton and the entire team at the LASCO Chin Foundation and LASCO Affiliated Companies, your unwavering commitment to honouring 157 hardworking officers every year, makes this recognition all the more meaningful. You remind us that our sacrifices though sometimes unseen are of value.”
Corporal Junior Thompson’s achievements earned him a trophy, a cash award of $175,000, along with a gift basket of LASCO products. Corporal Moesha Allen – Area 4 St Andrew South Community Safety and Security Unit placed second receiving $125,000, Sergeant Shantel Watson – Area 1 Community Safety and Security Branch (CSS) placed third, receiving $100,000. Meanwhile Corporal Jahvarn Brown – Domestic Violence Intervention Unit CSS Headquarters (Non-Geographical), Sergeant Namoy Roberts – Area 2 Police Headquarters, and Sergeant Margaret Simms-Williams – Area 3 Headquarters, who placed fourth, fifth and sixth respectively, received $75,000 each.
The LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Award honours the outstanding contributions of law enforcement officers dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Jamaica. This year’s ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, featured a keynote address by Mrs. Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO and Commissioner of Customs, who was honoured with a special sash commemorating the 75th anniversary of women joining the JCF. Guests enjoyed vibrant entertainment from the talented JCF Band and the dynamic dancehall duo Voicemail, even brought some of the suited officers to their feet to show their skills on the dancefloor.
Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies, James Rawle, CD, commended the JCF’s unwavering commitment to community and national development. “The JCF embodies a deep sense of duty and resilience, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the people they serve. By upholding the values of integrity, service, and collaboration, they are not only transforming the present but also securing a safer, brighter future for generations to come. This is also what the brand LASCO stands for,” Rawle remarked.
He added, “The JCF continues to be a beacon of professionalism and progress, adapting to new challenges while maintaining its commitment to serving Jamaica’s citizens. Corporal Thompson certainly exemplifies the future of law enforcement in this country – a future built on integrity, service, and innovation. Additionally, the special promotions of the six finalists was well-deserved.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Charmine Shand also expressed gratitude to LASCO, noting that, “Each year it gets more and more difficult to select a ‘top cop’ knowing that we have a crop of dedicated police officers who continue to push the boundaries of community development but, our partners at LASCO help to make it a smooth selection process. Congratulations to all our awardees and we look forward to next year.”
Corporal Thompson’s drive for professional development is equally impressive. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and his passion for rehabilitation has led him to embark on creating a Rehabilitation and Development Unit (RDU) within the JCF, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and fostering their reintegration into society. He is also certified in Executive Supervisory Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Incident Response and Recovery, making him a well-rounded officer equipped with the skills necessary to face today’s challenges.
His commitment to leadership, operational excellence, and community development continues to inspire those around him, making him a worthy recipient of the LASCO Chairman’s Award.