Volney Welch
We were deeply saddened on hearing the tragic news that our good friend and former colleague, retired P.C. Volney Welch passed away in Barbados on Monday 14th April 2025. Born and raised in Barbados, he was the second oldest of 4 siblings which included Jennie, Brian and the late Deborah, and Volney was raised in the family home of his grandparents, the late Millicent "Baby" and Herbert "Spritely" Welch in St. David's, Christchurch, Barbados. Volney attended St. David's Boys School and the Modern High and St. Anthony's School, after which he accepted a teaching engagement at St. Anthony's and taught there for 2 years before he was recruited into the Bermuda Police in March 1975 at which time he attended Basic Training Course No 19.
Despite being many miles away, Volney always looked out for his family back in Barbados and played a pivotal role in supporting his mother and family. He paid for his sister Deborah, to go to school and he was always just a call away as an adviser, or simply a listening ear.
A Special Service of Thanksgiving celebrating Volney's life was held at St. David's Church, in Barbados on Tuesday 29th April 2025, where the following tribute, from the Commissioner of Police in Bermuda, Mr. Darren Simons, was read out to the congregation:-
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of retired Police Constable 189 Volney Welch.
Volney joined the Bermuda Police on 1st March 1975, at which time he attended Basic Training Course No. 19. Upon graduation, PC Welch was posted to Central Division, before transferring to Eastern Division in 1976. He later returned to Central Division, where he remained for a number of years.
Volney served in the BPS in a variety of departments, including what was formerly known as the Prosecution Department (as an Assistant Supreme Court Officer), and as a Parish Constable, a role he took on in 1992. He had the distinction of being the first officer to be awarded the Rotary Club’s “Constable of the Year” Award in 1997 for his “high personal motivation, continuing support of the Police Service, and conscientious acts within the community, working closely with many charitable institutions including the Sunshine League and Hope Homes."
Volney served in the BPS for 29 years before retiring on 30th September 2006, with his Last Day of Service being 23rd November 2006. He then spent nine years as the civilian Vetting Coordinator for the Police Service, from 2007 to 2016. He later worked as a security officer at the Fairmont Southampton.
In one of PC Welch’s final appraisals prior to his retirement, his Chief Inspector wrote, “A mature and experienced officer, with exemplary years of service, dedication and loyalty. He maintains a high degree of professionalism and participation, within the Bermuda Police Service and is a good role model for our junior Constables.”
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Volney returned to his homeland in 2020 where his new focus on life was to be actively involved in the lives of his great nephews, Azario and Amir Welch, with whom he worked tirelessly to make sure they both passed their exams for the school they desired.
Volney's Special Service of Thanksgiving was attended by many of his friends and colleagues from his days in the Bermuda Police Service, including retired Inspector Cal Smith in his capacity at President of the Bermuda Ex-Police Officers Association. Also In attendance were retired Sergeant George Babb, Inspector Barry Richards, and Chief Insp. Cal Smith who travelled from Bermuda, and from Barbados were retired DCOP Michael Jackman, Supt. Andrew Boyce, Insp. Orson Daisley, Insp. Legay Farley, Insp. Phillip Lewis. Sergeants Clive Browne, Ronald Greenidge, James Hoyte, Barry Walkes, Kenneth Savoury, constables Peter Clarke, Tyrone Moe, Patrick Waite, Carlisle Butcher, David Ward, Aideene Fletcher, Migel Medford, Mark Griffin, Attorney General Willie Bourne, also present and officiating in the service former PC Graveney Bannister, and former BPS Reserve Officer Roy Trottmam.
Volney is survived by his wife, Ianthia, son Jason, granddaughter Jaze, siblings Jennie and Anthony, as well as numerous family members and friends. On behalf of the Bermuda Ex-Police Offcers Association and all of our members, we extend our deepest condolences to them during this difficult time.