PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Under a cloud of mixed emotions, members of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) bid farewell to the Police Spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson, who officially went on retirement.
Joining the force at the tender age of 17 years old, Mr. Henson served the people of St.Maarten including the then Netherlands Antilles in his capacity as a law enforcement officer for over 4 decades.
During a ceremony held in his honor on Friday, many of his colleagues including the Chief of Police Carl John told the gathering that Chief Inspector Henson served the force with pride, dignity and integrity. According to the Chief of Police Carl John, Mr. Henson devoted his time towards making the organization better for all.
He also spoke of the close relationship that he has had with Henson over the years and how their friendship had grown to be more than that of a colleague. Ricardo Henson is also a God parent to Chief John’s offspring.
Friday’s farewell ceremony was also attended by the Honorable Minister of Justice, Egbert Jurendy Doran. Speaking at the event held in honor of Ricardo Henson Friday afternoon, the Justice Minister thanked the Chief Inspector for his service to St. Maarten and its people.
Meanwhile, accompanied by his wife, and being emotional at times, Henson told the gathering and including his colleagues, what serving in the police force really meant for him. He also had some positive advice for officers, and urged that they don’t engage in talking behind the backs of each other, but rather to one’s face.
Friday’s farewell ceremony was also attended by Henson’s former colleagues, who have since retired, including Janchie Leonard and Tony Rogers. At the end of the ceremony, the Philipsburg Brass Band entertained the former cop with a parade around the Police Station.
