Former Police Commissioner O N Philip dies at the age of 85

Former Police Chief O N Philip.

A graduate of the prestigious Hendon Police College, Philip was also the top graduate of his class at Police Academy. He rose in the ranks from constable to Commissioner of Police over a career which spanned several decades.

Prior to appointment to Commissioner, he led the Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department. In the 1970s, Commissioner Philip was awarded the Royal Colonial Police Medal by Queen Elizabeth II through the Governor General, for his outstanding service and contribution to the Royal Dominica Police Force.

His life's work was outlined in an excellent article on thedominican.net website at http://thedominican.net/articles/philip.htm

Philip's name became legendary in the annals of Dominican law enforcement when he was seriously wounded during his valiant attempt to retake Police Headquarters during the December 19,1981 coup attempt against the Eugenia Charles led administration.

Alerted to the gun battle at Police Headquarters, which had been seized by rebellious soldiers, Philip rushed to the scene pistol in hand. His car was ambushed during this attempt.

Phillip's selfless action that morning rallied the men of the Dominica Police Force to eventually repulse the attackers who it transpired were in league with the Klu Klux Klan, US Nazi Party and elements led by a former Prime Minister whose administration had lost office in the 1980 general election.

Philip was of a generation of policemen whose integrity and dedication to duty ensured that Dominicans remained a law abiding people.

He leaves to mourn his wife Maria Philip (nee Ifill) - a long serving former US diplomat in the Caribbean, Africa and Fiji; his eight children, Veda, Joyce, David, Samuel, Paul, Barbara, Peter and Ray, born of his first marriage to Esther Philip (née Coipel), and numerous relatives and friends.

Philip was born on August 8, 1926 in Marigot, Dominica and would have celebrated his 85 birthday this year.