Island Mourns Loss Of Frederick “Penny” Bean
Tributes are being paid following the passing of former Police Commissioner Frederick “Penny” Bean, with the Minister noting that “as the first Bermudian to hold the post of Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bean “leaves a legacy that will forever be etched in history.”
Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “I offer my sincere condolences to the family of retired Commissioner of Police, Frederick “Penny” Bean.
“As the first Bermudian to hold the post of Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bean leaves a legacy that will forever be etched in history and our memories. Bermuda will be ever grateful for his life and contributions, and we will all mourn his passing.”
Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley said, “The Bermuda Police Service mourns the loss of former Police Commissioner, Mr. Frederick Colborn “Penny” Bean.
“When I received the call last evening alerting me on the passing of our late Commissioner, I immediately began to reflect on all of the powerful sentiments that were expressed to me in the short time I have been on the island about the character of Mr. Bean by serving and former officers.
“What was evidenced by all of the positive comments I have had the honour of hearing was the profound impact he had on the development of officers and his love and unwavering support of the Bermuda Police Service.
“On February 21, 1981, Mr. Bean made history when he became the first Bermudian born officer to rise from the rank of Constable to Commissioner. It should be noted that he started the then Bermuda Police Force in June 1956 at 19 years of age.
“In 1959, he was posted as a CID Constable under the legendary “Bo” Swainson. In 1962, Mr. Bean attended a detective training course in London and also was attached to the New Scotland Yard for extra training.
“Upon his return from the U.K., he was promoted to Detective Sergeant and was transferred to the Western Division. In 1965, he was transferred to the newly formed Narcotics Department as the officer in charge. During his time in CID, he and his team made several arrests which led to a number of prosecutions.
“Mr. Bean rapidly moved through the ranks and was promoted to Chief Inspector in 1971, and just two short years later he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent and transferred to the Special Branch. During his time, he oversaw many advances such as police communications and computerisation. Mr. Bean was also a believer in the Parish Constable concept of policing.
“During his illustrious 35 year policing career, he has received several Letters of Good Work and Police Commendations and this culminated with him receiving the Order of the British Empire [OBE] in 1991.
“I would like, on behalf of the Service, to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Bean.
“In the next few days the BPS will organise a series of tributes both internally and externally to pay our respects to our former Commissioner of Police Mr. Frederick Bean.”
Former Premier Michael Dunkley said, “My deepest condolences to the family of Commissioner “Penny” Bean OBE.
“Commissioner Bean was the first born Bermudian and black Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service who led with distinction and was a policeman’s Commissioner.
“Commissioner Bean’s service spanned thirty five years of dedication through good times and challenging ones. His commitment and leadership to our community at all levels of service within the BPS has made a lasting impression and is a fine example for young men and women to emulate. May his family be comforted by our thoughts and prayers and may he Rest In Peace.”
- Photo above courtesy of the ExpoBermuda website.
