Close to 300 people, including many serving and former police officers, yesterday paid their last respects to one-time Assistant Superintendent of Police Glenville Ainsley Gale.

Acting Commissioner of Police Bertie Hinds and former Commissioner Orville Durant were among the mourners at Gale's two-hour funeral At Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in Christ Church.

Features of the service included a gun salute by members of the Royal Barbados Police Force, the music of the Royal Barbados Police Band and the slow, stately marching of both junior and senior police officers as the flag-draped casket was borne to the graveside.

Gale, who spent more than 36 years in the police force before retiring about 10 years ago, died on August 3, at age 69.

The former Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church resident was the holder of the Royal Victorian Medal, presented by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as a reward for personal service to the Sovereign on one of her visits to Barbados.

He was also highly regarded at Government House, where for a number of years he provided security, serving former governors general Sir Deighton Ward and Sir Hugh Springer.

Gale was eulogised as a model policeman, a family man and a humanitarian.

His personal physician, Dr Llewelyn Harper, said Gale was immaculate in dress, "a proud officer" with "an undying love for the service."

He also remembered Gale as "a family man" and a community-minded policeman who spent time helping poor elderly people.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Antonio Forte told the gathering that Gale was a police officer who "led from the front" and "a true professional" who "delivered" when called on.

Prominent among the mourners were Gale's long-time partner Pansy Sawh and his adopted children, Sabrina and Natalie Sawh. (TY)