Slain cop hailed as hero

The Trinidad Guardian

The family of slain police officer Elton John will be offered counselling and assistance, according to acting Police Commissioner James Philbert.

John was laid to rest yesterday after a funeral service at the Faith Baptist Tabernacle, D’Abadie. John, 27, was killed on Saturday morning when he stopped a man from urinating at the side of the Arima market.

He enlisted in the Police Service on February 3, 2003. Philbert said John’s family, including his two children, would be offered counselling and assistance.

“He lost his life and we feel strongly about it. There is a sentence of death regardless of who is killed. Counselling will be offered, of course. He has two young children. We were told he was the breadwinner.” Philbert said.

He said the most routine of activities could turn violent. “No one can pay you back for true service. We can’t bring him back and the only consolation we have is that he is in a better place,” he added.

Philbert claimed John “epitomised officers” and would be nominated for a national award. “We are crippled with grief that transcends on us. A police officer who died in the line of duty and protects, serve with pride and zero tolerance to crime.