Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams says retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper had love and compassion for the Police Service and police officers. He was delivering the eulogy for Cooper at the St James the Just Anglican Church, Adolphus Cox Road, Sangre Grande, yesterday. Four white tents and a rectory filled with rows of chairs seated the large turnout at Cooper’s farewell service. Cooper, 66, passed away on September 16.
Williams said: “His passion for the organisation is second to none. I’ve spent 35 years in the Police Service, I’ve met many officers, but I haven’t seen anyone as passionate about the Police Service as Winston Cooper. “He had a love for all police officers and I do not think he ever kept anybody in mind for any negative interaction.” Williams said if there was any negativity, Cooper would say: ride it over, and continue the next day as if it had not happened.
He said Cooper had a unique skill, one built around ethical leadership and honesty. Cooper’s daughter, Reonne, gave a moving and emotional tribute to her father, saying he lived and breathed the Police Service. She said when he took the oath to protect and serve, he took it to heart. Reonne said her father was never off duty, when the uniform came off, he was still on call.
Cooper’s wife Amelia, and Reonne’s siblings Kerry and Keonne were there to support one another. Among the mourners paying their respects was a contingent from the Police Service including past commissioners Trevor Paul and James Philbert. Also at the service were former National Security Minister Joseph Toney, Toyota Trinidad managing director Andre Baptiste, chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon, and chairman of the Dr Eric Williams Memorial Committee Reginald Vidale.
After the service at the church, officiated by Canon Kenley Baldeo, Cooper was cremated at Belgrove’s Crematorium, Orange Grove, Trincity.
