The funeral of slain police officer Newton Carmichael Lewis is under way.
The 46-year-old acting station sergeant was killed in the line of duty on May 22 when responding to a robbery near his home in Skeetes Road, Rose Hill, St Peter.
The funeral service is taking place at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. It began with a solemn procession from Rose Hill to Mount Pleasant followed by tributes.
Former deputy commissioner Bertie Hinds said he knew Lewis from his school days at Frederick Smith Secondary School and then in the police force.
Hinds said Lewis was a personal friend and he remained in shock and disbelief over his death. He said Lewis was his driver and they shared many a brainstorming session while en route, adding Lewis was not a typical police driver as he did not hesitate to pull over anyone breaking traffic regulations, with the full blessing of Hinds.
He said it was Lewis never realised his dream of managing a station.
In the end, Hinds said he could see Lewis leading a heavenly cricket team.
The former officer is being buried with full military honours. Among those attending are Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith and Democratic Labour Party president Verla De Peiza. (CA)
