Colleagues remember late Old Harbour cop

The 49-year-old was a faithful and dedicated officer who leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy that touched hearts of those he worked alongside for more than three decades.

His untimely passing left colleagues numbed, some unable to function and forced to take time off.

During a recent vigil in remembrance of the late police sergeant, his impact was quiet remarkable.

McDonald’s high level of commitment and a strong passion to serve his country through law enforcement was a hallmark of his service.

“He was committed, hardworking,” said DSP Damion Manderson, commanding officer in charge of Old Harbour. “In fact the day he fell ill he would have been at work the night before.

“The last thing I remember of him is him saying that he was on short leave, he wasn’t feeling well but he felt obligated to the job and to his colleagues that he needs to resume so that somebody else could go off on leave.”

He was a lover of the seas, we were told, having spent a large portion of his three decades of service at the Marine Division. He loves horse racing too, but most of all he loved people and value their worth.

He was an exceptional leader, Constable Zharn Smallwood tells Old Harbour News, adding he was “genuine” and want to see his charges develop as an officer as well mature as a person.

“I remember when I was ill and Sgt. McDonald was the only person, among those who do zone commanding duties in Old Harbour, who called me and say ‘are you OK?’ He genuinely wants to know if I was OK. My health was more important to him rather than me just reporting back to work,” Smallwood recounted of a past situation that he will forever carry in his heart.

News of his superior’s death was shocking for him, as the two had spoken less than 24 hours ago and was anticipating his return. Smallwood got the sad news sometime in the afternoon, his day ended instantly, as he was too grief-stricken to continue working.

“Sgt. McDonald was one of the most flexible leaders. If I’m at work and there is a given situation I need to take charge, he would allow that,” Smallwood continued. “He allows persons to express themselves and take charge of situation, even if he is the ground commander or leader at the time. He would allow persons to grow even when he is in charge and I really appreciate that about Sgt. McDonald.”

Another member that worked under the leadership of McDonald was Constable Garfield Edwards, who has been working by his side for more than a year now. During those months they developed a bond beyond just policing. Edwards was one of the officers who went and donated blood for McDonald at the National Chest Hospital. Even now he’s still trying to come to terms with the death of a man he refer to as his “brother”.

“He was a jovial person, someone you could rely on any time,” said Constable Edwards. “He’s someone you could talk to and relate any problem to. He was a good man. He was more than just about policing, he was like a brother, a big brother.”

He’s irreplaceable said DSP Manderson, pointing out that each morning during debriefing sessions a few minutes are allotted to reflect on a crime fighter who distinguished himself with absolute professionalism and upheld the mantra of being a ‘force for good’.

“We haven’t even discussed anything with management about getting another sergeant… we just want to cherish the memories and moments of his 30 years,” Manderson said, adding that the constabulary “has lost a true prince”.

Sgt. McDonald is scheduled to be laid to rest on January 10, 2021.