Melvin "Mel" Gibbons 

We are deeply saddened to report that our dear friend and colleague, Melvin “Mel” Gibbons, passed away earlier today (20th April 2023) at the age of 83.  He had been ill for some time.

Born in St. George’s, Mel joined the Bermuda Police in February 1960, and he was posted to Eastern Division (St. George’s). This was prior to the setting up of the Police Training School in which new recruits were given an extensive  3 month training course.  However, Mel attended a six week basic training course in 1961 along with 11 other young Bermudians.

 
Group of fairly new recruits who attended a 6 week basic training course
in late 1961 before the Training School was officially established.
Top row (l-r) Marcus Packwood,  Phil Pearson,  Phillip Smith, 
Custerfield "Custy" Crockwell,Sgt Thomas Doyle (Instructor), 
Lawrence "Mincy" Rawlins, Reginald Tuckett, and Gilmore Simons.
Kneeling -  Melvin Gibbons, Thomas Barton,  Glyn Washington, 
Lennett "Lenny" Edwards & Eddie "Boxhead" Foggo

 

Mel remained in his home territory,  Eastern Division, until he transferred to Operations (Traffic) in 1971.  In 1978 he was appointed as Parish Constable in Western Division where he remained until his retirement in 1985.

In 1978, Mel was awarded the Colonial Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. 

Following his retirement from the Police Service, Mel worked for many years as Supreme Court officer.

Mel has always been a very popular and well liked member of the Bermuda Police Service and will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him during his police career.

We extend our sincere condolences to Mel's family, and will publish funeral details as soon as they are finalised.