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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
(BIS Photo Patrick Hanna)
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Nassau, Bahamas
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Retired Assistant Commissioner
of Police Basil Dean was accorded a full military funeral during a Mass
of Resurrection on Tuesday, February 22 at Christ Church Cathedral.
Minister of National Security the Hon. Tommy Turnquest paid tribute
during the service which was attended by Commissioner Ellison Greenslade
and the High Command of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Mr Dean
was buried in Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery.
(
by The Family of Basil Dean ) Basil was born in New Providence to William Dean and Mable Ingraham (nee Ferguson). As a child he had the habit of reading detective novels along with doing the other normal things boys do. That curiosity led Basil to join the Royal Bahamas Police Force July 16, 1966, before Majority Rule was achieved. He showed great promise from the beginning, winning the baton of honor as the top recruit in his squad that year.
During his early years as a policeman, Basil served at the Traffic and Southern Divisions. He would later spend time at the Security and Intelligence Branch (SIB) and at the Police College. However, he is most known for his work at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); a place he first moved to in 1968. "My group the Flying Squad, we took in the role of drug busters. So we took a strong and firm action against drug trafficking on the streets and internationally", he recalled in a 2004 interview.
(BIS Photo Patrick Hanna)
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Basil was known as a fearless and feared detective and as a leader who took to the streets with his gun at his side. He did not merely lead from behind a desk. Known during his younger days as "Shaft", Basil and his officers took down some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. He was involved in many dangerous encounters and shootouts. He shot a few and was himself shot in the line of duty.
In 1981, Basil was shot to the head, left arm and stomach after a chase with armed kidnappers at Prospect Ridge. The men abducted a hacker and were transporting him in the rear of a car when Basil and then Constable Christopher Pickstock intercepted the car. A shootout ensued. Though the suspects escaped and Basil was wounded, the hacker was rescued.
Basil was fond of late Police Commissioner Gerald Bartlett who he said, "allowed me to spread my wings." Bartlett thought highly of Basil too. In a January 1978 commissioner's commendation, Bartlett thanked Basil and his officers from CID for taking numerous dangerous criminals off the streets, including several wanted for rape and murder. "The commissioner of police is pleased to commend Acting Inspector Dean and his team for their diligence, hardwork and devotion to duty", Bartlett said.
(BIS Photo Patrick Hanna)
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That devotion to duty and country Bartlett referred to in the late 1970s, continued throughout Basil's career. He was a part of the team that shut down the operation of Columbian drug dealer Carlos "Joe" Lehder at Norman's Cay; he and his team captured the men that murdered Cabinet Minister Charles Virgil; and he and his team brought to an absolute end the career of the notorious robber "Lil Ounce".
Basil's fearlessness persisted throughout his days on the Force. He was confirmed Assistant Commissioner on January 1, 1994. While acting at that rank the September before, he personally led the raid at London Terrance that led to the capture of the man who had shot and killed Const. Raymond Rolle. The cop killer was killed in a shootout with police.
Basil received many honors during his time on the force, including the Police Long service and Good Conduct Medal and the Queen's Police Medal.
(BIS Photo Patrick Hanna)
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Basil ended his police career in 1997 as Assistant Commissioner. Being a man who craved work, he immediately joined the then Sun International (now Kerzner International) as Vice President of Security and Surveillance at Atlantis. Two years later he was promoted to Senior Vice President. He enjoyed his time at Kerzner and loved his staff, successfully growing his department from 258 employees in 1999 to 430 employees in 2011. As head of security he was a part of the senior team that helped make the resort the largest private sector employer in the country.
Always concerned about the company, a few nights before his death while sick with stage four colon cancer, Basil was at his kitchen table around midnight tweaking the goals for his department for the year ahead.
Never fearful, never one to complain, Basil gave all to those he served. He was very proud of what he and his officers accomplished at the old CID. He was very proud of his team at Atlantis.
(BIS Photo Patrick Hanna)
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As a member of St. Ambrose Anglican Church, Rotary and other civic organizations Basil also gave to the community beyond his service as a policeman. Basil was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago. After surgery and chemotherapy he was back to work within weeks. He continued to work until the end.
Basil died at Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida. During one of his bi-monthly visits to the hospital for treatment he suffered a seizure, went into cardiac arrest and passed away at the hospital.
Basil was loved by his family. He was married to Norma. He loved her and she loved him. Basil had five sons and five daughters. He will be missed by them.
See more at the Royal Bahamas Police Force website
© Copyright 2011 by thebahamasweekly.com
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