Young P.C. Devonish Small
Sad Passing of Devonish Small - We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our good friend and former colleague, retired Sergeant Devonish Small, in Barbados, on 13th August 2025, where he was visiting and had attended the funeral of his father.
We have received the following Tribute to Devonish sent to us on behalf Acting Commissioner Antoine Daniels.
On behalf of our ExPo members we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues.
We will advise on funeral arrangements as soon as they are known.
Dear Colleagues,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Retired Police Sergeant 376 Devonish M. Small.
Born in Barbados on 21 October 1956, Sergeant Small joined what was then known as the Bermuda Police Force on 7 June 1979. He began his training on Basic Course No. 25 (see course photo below), which ran from 19 June to 28 September 1979. His Drill/PT/Weapons Instructor at the time, PS McBride, noted in his training report that while Devonish initially displayed “basic nervousness” in weapons handling and swimming, he steadily improved—quickly overcoming his fears and showing “good potential.” His drill and turnout were “always up to standard,” and he was considered a candidate for the Baton of Honour. Monthly probationary reports described him as smart in appearance, very good in conduct, reliable, hard-working, and already showing signs of leadership potential.
Upon completion of training, he was posted to ‘C’ Watch Central on 1 October 1979. Supervisors described him as quiet in nature yet friendly, polite, courteous, and cooperative, both with the public and colleagues. Then DCOP F.C. Bean remarked simply, “Yes, he appears to be a good one.”
In July 1981, Devonish was transferred to ‘D’ Watch Central and later completed Continuation Course #10 in 1982, earning an 82% assessment score in weapons training. That same year, he was selected for the Bermuda Police Service Cricket Team, reflecting his love of the sport. He completed the Driving School Standard Course in 1980, where his instructor described him as “a very careful driver” and recommended him for the advanced course, which he successfully completed in 1983.
In 1986, he temporarily transferred to Central ‘B’ Department (Finance), where his strong performance led to a request for him to remain. However, Devonish was determined to join the Motor Cycle Police Section (MCPS), achieving this transfer on 9 February 1987. He served in MCPS and Operations (Traffic) for over 15 years, completing the Advanced Motorcycle Course in the UK in 1992. He passed his Sergeant’s exam in 1991 and was promoted on 2 September 1994 alongside PCs 191 Mouchette, 213 Vidal, and 414 Wilson. His Sergeant’s Development Course in 1995 drew praise from Supt. Bissell as “another quiet Sergeant who gets on with the job and sets an example for his men to follow.”
Following his promotion, Devonish served in Eastern Uniform, Task Force, and as Station Manager in the Eastern Division, often acting in the role of Inspector. Appraisals described him as “conscientious,” “striving for excellence,” and “the most effective Sergeant in Eastern Division.” In 2009, he was recommended for a Commissioner’s Commendation for his outstanding work and received numerous letters of good work throughout his career. He also gave back to the community, volunteering with the Bermuda Zoological Society and participating in Bermuda National Trust walks.
Sergeant Small retired from the Bermuda Police Service on 21 October 2011 after 31 years of dedicated service. He returned on POST 55 contracts until 2015, officially concluding 36 years of service to the people of Bermuda. Even in retirement, he remained connected to the BPS, working at the Police Recreation Club, where his trademark high standards and quiet dedication continued to shine.
The same respected, conscientious officer—liked and admired by all—remained true to himself until his passing on Wednesday, 13 August 2025.
Retired Sergeant Devonish Small was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, loved ones, friends, and numerous colleagues.
On behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and current and former colleagues during this time of mourning. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.
Sincerely,