An historic police-related event took place at St. Paul AME Centennial Hall on 19th February 2026, when the family of one of our legendary police officers, Charles Edward “D.O” Simons, who served in the Bermuda Police from 1905 – 1935 and was appointed as our first ever detective in 1919, formally handed over a priceless collection of his original documents, including his pocket books and a set of his notebooks, to Bermuda’s Head Archivist, Karla Ingemann, who happens to be the daughter of the Late Chief Inspector Norman Ingemann.
Rhonda Simmons presents Head Archivist, Karla Ingemann, Even before the discovery of the notebooks we had been aware that Charles Edward Simons joined the Bermuda Police in 1905, and had been appointed as our first detective in 1919, so it was especially exciting to see that the first notebook was clearly dated May 5th 1919 which meant that posterity now has his original notes from the very day he was appointed as a detective over 100 years ago.
The event at St Paul AME Centennial Hall was organized by Major Marc Telemaque, the great-grandson of "D.O.” Simons, and was attended by Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons (no relation), Rev. Nicholas G. Tweed, retired Chief Inspector Roger Sherratt, and a group of members of the Simons family including his great-granddaughter, Rhonda Simmons, who made the official handover of a plethora of “D.O” Simons’ documents to Ms. Ingemann. Rhonda is the daughter of Marilyn (Simons) Simmons who was instrumental in providing much of the information, photos and family memorabilia used in the "Hall of Fame" article about "D.O" Simons published here on our ExPo website in 2014.
The handover was extensively covered in an article in the Royal Gazette (20th Feb 2026) which reported that, “Major Marc Telemaque, Mr. Simons’ great-grandson, said the family wanted to donate the items to ensure that they were preserved, protected and transcribed so that future generations could learn more about the island’s past. It provides a treasure trove of insight into not just policing but life in Bermuda at that time.”
CLICK HERE to view the Royal Gazette article.
Prior to this historic handover of documents I was aware that “D.O.” Simons‘ grandson, Mr. Ralph Simons, had discovered the set of notebooks last year when he was clearing out his former Bermuda residence before heading abroad to reside in Canada. Ralph had inherited the home from his father, St. Clare Simons, who was the eldest son of "D.O" Simons. Ralph found the notepads (diaries) tucked away on a shelf in his father's office, and immediately realized the historical importance of them and wanted to ensure that they would be preserved. The first of these notebooks was dated May 5th 1919 which was the precise date when P.C. Simons was officially appointed as our first detective.
Handwritten notepads and pocket books dating back to 1899On arrival at St Paul AME Centennial Hall for the handing over ceremony I was stunned to see that the Simons family also had a collection of D.O’s original police pocket books dating back to 1905 when he first joined the Police Force, along with several other notebooks dating back as far as 1899.
In the Royal Gazette article I was quoted as saying that “The notebooks (and pocketbooks) are generally in immaculate condition and are an absolute treasure for future research into the life of Charles Edward Simons.”
They are ideal because they should provide the dates and details of incidents attended and investigations undertaken by “D.O” Simons and these would be ideal when searching for more information in old newspaper archives and in court documents. What I found to be truly remarkable is that this literal history of our legendary police officer has been so well preserved for so long, and will now continue to be stored in ideal of conditions. What a resource for someone to write the incredibe lifestory of Charles Edward “D.O.” Simons.
One final note regarding “D.O.” Simons is that on his retirement in 1935 he was awarded the Colonial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and was the first Bermuda Police Officer to receive this medal. He is also believed to be the first police officer in the Western Hemisphere to be so honoured.
CLICK HERE to view our “Hall of Fame” article on “D.O” Simons pubished in 2014.
EDITORS NOTE - St. Paul AME Centennial Hall was chosen as an ideal venue for this event because the Simons' involvement in the Church runs deep. Both Charles Edward Simons and his wife Florence were active members of the church, with Charles being a regular member of the Senior Choir and a Trustee of the Church. Ralph's father, St. Clare Simons - the eldest son of "D.O" Simons - was also one of the Trustees of the Church and was actively involved in its development and construction.
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