Served from 1957 - 1978

Inspector Sean Sheehan was one of those rare human beings who became a legend in his own lifetime.  An Irishman through and through, he joined the Bermuda Police Force in February 1957 after serving in the Irish Constabulary (The Garda) for 3 years in Dublin.

Sean arrived on the same plane as Peter Stubbs and Taffy Alder and for their first year or so in Bermuda they were housed in the former staff quarters behind the old Hamiltonian Hotel  which had burned to the ground in 1955. The staff quarters were located on Victoria Street at the junction with Washington Street in Hamilton, and according to Peter Stubbs, they were in terrible condition with holes in the room doors, missing window panes and dreadful furniture.

Sean’s first posting was to Central Division on the beat in Hamilton. This was at a time when expatriate officers recruited in the U.K with no previous police experience would attend a 3 months Basic Training Course at Mill Meece in Staffordshire before coming out to Bermuda.  Peter Stubbs had just graduated from Mill Meece but Sean, as an experienced officer, would simply have been provided with perhaps a copy of the Road Traffic Act (cars had been prohibited in Bermuda until after the war ended in 1946) and the Hamilton Traffic Ordinances, and would then have hit the streets of Hamilton.  According to Peter, Sean had a “really strong pure Irish accident, difficult to translate but he was without question an excellent policeman”.

Within a matter of days both Sean and Peter had bought themselves “Ambassador” motor cycles  -  sold by the Island Trading company on Victoria Street, owned and run by Colonel Sankey.  Sean is photographed below outside the Victoria Street barracks along with his motor cycle. The Triumph in front him is believed to have belonged to George Goddard.

The state of the outside of the building appears to match the state of the interiors!

Sean attended a short “refresher course” in June 1958 along with several other recruits from Ireland and a few Bermudians. After just over a year on the beat, Sean was transferred to the Parishes where a police officer needed to be self motivated and would deal with a variety of incidents occurring in his Parish.

Sean and his fellow single officers were always required to live in Police Barracks so it must have been a huge relief to them when the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry moved out of the Prospect Military barracks  in 1959, at which time the former military buildings were converted to Police Headquarters, Police Club, Traffic Department, Police Training School,  and single men’s quarters.

Coming to Bermuda was no doubt a huge move for Sean but 4^th October 1960, was a pivotal day in his police career as he was transferred to the newly formed Cycle Squad set up to combat the growing problem of cycle thefts (stealing or removing cars was almost unheard of in Bermuda) and speeding. 

It was a right of passage for young Bermudians to own an auxiliary cycle -  a 50 cc bike -  when they turned 16 and they would invariably race around the Island at breakneck speeds, that is, until the Cycle Squad was created and the officers in the squad were issued with much more powerful motor cycles.  Teenagers did everything possible to increase the power of their auxiliary cycles, including fitting them with a gear system which was strictly illegal,  but enterprising young lads would fit their bikes with a system controlled by a small “pin” that they could pull out and throw away if they were being chased by the police.

But “Sheehan” also had a great reputation as a fair police officer who treated those he dealt with with respect, although it has also been said that young offenders would often confess to having stolen or removed cycles, or cycle parts,  after one of Sean’s interrogations which would always be lengthy and usually involved being asked to swear on their mother’s grave that they were innocent!  It was also said that Sheehan must not only have kissed but also “hugged” the Blarney Stone” because he sure had the gift of the gab!

Sean spent the next 4 years in Cycle Squad where he was promoted to Sergeant in October 1962.  His investigative skills were clearly evident as he was transferred to C.I.D. in 1964, but a year later he returned as the Sergeant in charge of Cycle Squad until 1966.

After a 4 year stint in CID from 1966 – 1970 Sean was Sergeant in charge of Central Parishes during which time he was promoted to Inspector in December 1971 and spent time in charge of the Mobile Reserve, then in the Murder Room and CID before spending his latter years of service in Central Division as Inspector at Hamilton Police Station. 

During his service in the Bermuda Police Sean received numerous commendations as follows:-

• 16 February 1959 - Commendation awarded to Constable Sheehan for zeal and efficiency;  
• 10 February 1950 - Commendation awarded to Constable Sheehan for zeal and efficiency;  
• 5 January 1961 -  Commendation awarded to Constable for zeal and efficiency (arresting 39 people involved in 51 cases of cycle removing from 4 Oct - 31 Dec 1960; 
• 18 August 1964 - Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for perserverance in investigation of larcenies 
• 28 January 1965 - Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant Sheehan for Investigation and Interrogation and being congratulated by His Lordship the Chief Justice. 
• 28 January 1965 - Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for persistent and excellent interrogation in a robbery case;
• June 1966  -  Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for "zeal and initiative investigating a series of B and E's committed by a gang of juveniles;  
• 15 April 1968 - Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for Intelligent appreciation and diligent enquiries;  
• 24 July 1968 - Commendation awarded to Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for zeal and initiative; 
• 10 April 1969 - Detective Sergeant 43 Sheehan for a thorough investigation in a complicated series of 44 cases of theft and false accounting 

Throughout his police career Sean was a popular and outgoing officer who socialized with everyone, and it would also be fair to say that he loved to have a drink – or two!

The following photos of believed to have been taken during Sean's retirement "Do" in the Officers Mess at Prospect

Tribute to Sean Sheehan by Patricia, Cliona Aine Sheehan

Sean (official name John Gerrard) Sheehan was the first born child of Bridget and Denis Sheehan on the 22^nd October 1933  in Caherciveen, Co. Kerry.  He was educated in Caherciveen to the age of 18 and did the equivalent of todays Leaving Certificate.  Whilst in junior school the head teacher realising that Sean’s strengths did not lie in mathematics asked him to tutor the younger children in the Irish language.  Sean was a fluent Irish speaker – both ancient and modern. 

Once Sean graduated he decided it was time to explore the world, so he packed his bags and went to his aunt’s in London, England. Believe it or not he got a job in a Glass factory, which was to the amazement of some. Following this job Sean never could stand the sound of breaking glass!  During his time in London Sean got to see the Queen of England crowned on June 2^nd 1953. 

It was just after this that his father, Denis, contacted him to return home to apply for the Garda as they were recruiting. He had always been told that the Garda was an excellent career choice so he travelled back to Ireland and joined the Garda on 26^th May 1954 and was stationed in Rathmines, Dublin. 

Life changed when he was talked into buying a ticket for a Charity Dance in the Four Provence Dance Hall (Four Pros – stands for Ulster, Lenster, Connaght and Munster). Here he asked a young Patricia Kelly to dance.... and anyone who knows Sean Sheehan, knows he has two or three left feet.  Amazingly, even though she could barely understand him (with that beautiful Kerry accent) and the fact that he couldn’t dance, Patricia agreed to see him for a date the next week.

If Patricia had any doubts, these were alleviated when she turned up an hour and a half late and he was still there waiting patiently with a large bunch of flowers – a theme that would recur during their long and very happy marriage. 

Soon after this, Sean started to consider his future and felt there were no incentives to stay in the Garda as the pay was very low.  So low he had to buy his own bicycle and he went up to the mountains on his days off to cut turf to earn extra money.  So Sean decided to apply for two jobs: a job with the Railways in Africa; or the Bermuda Police Force.  Sean got an interview for both jobs in London.  Patricia lent him the £5 to get him to London!  Sean was offered both jobs so he decided to toss a coin to make his decision and Bermuda won!  Thank goodness!!

Sean resigned from the Garda in early February 1957 and flew over to Bermuda on 22^nd February to start his new life with the Bermuda Police, living in the barracks on Victoria Street  in Hamilton just behind where City Hall is now located.

Patricia and Sean were married on the 19^th June 1958 in St. Theresa’s Church in Hamilton. Best man - Bill McCormick (http://expobermuda.com/index.php/tan/115-billmccormack) Celine Cafferkey - Matron of Honor and Sandy Powell gave Patricia away. They honeymooned in Somerset and life began for the new couple.

Their first home was #3 Frog Lane and there were many ‘get togethers’ at Frog Lane.

And here is a quote from someone  who vividly remembers Sgt Sheehan -  “When I was a teenager in the 1960's my peers and I feared Sgt Sean Sheehan. He and his cycle squad members were everywhere all the time it seemed. Although we did such things as have illegal gears in our mopeds (with a 'setup' to immobilise if necessary), speeding and recklessness was something we thought twice about because Sgt Sheehan would invariably show up and catch us. Basically, his high profile presence on the roads kept us honest. None of us wanted our bikes impounded, which happened often if there was even a hint of excessive noise.” Red Onion http://www.limeyinbermuda.com/2005/11/getting_tough_w.html

Bil Smith also mentions the arrest  of an aspiring young actor with a direct connection to Bermuda: “College Weeks were a challenge and one memorable arrest was that of a certain Michael Douglas for "Taking and Driving Away" a livery bike that was not his rental. Talking to his movie actor father, Kirk Douglas, by telephone, it was decided that the youth should not be charged but was to be taken directly to the Airport and told to leave Bermuda.” Michael's mother was a member of the Dill family and was also an actress.

Sean and Pat’s first child, Cliona Eileen, was born in Ireland on the 18^th April 1960 and they were blessed with their second daughter Aine (Patricia-Anne) who was born in Bermuda on the 15^th January 1965.

Sean retired in 1978 and he, Patricia, Cliona and Aine returned to Emyvale in Ireland in April 1978.  Sean got a job as regional organiser for the first Census in Ireland for some time.  Patricia went back to do a bit of hairdressing.  Sean went from the Census job to selling sports bags for a family business.  He turned out to be a great salesman as he was too honest to lie about the goods he was selling so it was a good job the bags were well made!  He would travel the country getting orders and would invariably get lost.  It’s a good job Bermuda was so small as a sense of direction wasn’t Sean’s strong point!

Sean’s last job was as caretaker of the local village junior school.  We still meet people today who remember him around the school and all he did in his own time while he was there.  He was well respected and liked in the whole of the village and the surrounds of Emyvale. 

Sean was diagnosed with prostate cancer and died on 2 March 2008.  His last three weeks were spent at home with his whole family around him to care for him.  He was himself (as they say here in Ireland) until the end.  Keeping his sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye.

People still talk about Sean in the village and the respect they held for him was demonstrated during his three day wake and his funeral.

We, Sean’s family, miss him everyday.  He was some character!

Served in Bermuda Police 1967 - 1997

We were deeply saddened to report that our good friend and former colleague, Retired Sergeant John Van de Weg passed away at the age of 73  on 23rd February  2016, at King Edward Hospital.

A native of Middlesbrough, in England, John had served in the Royal Air Force in Communications before joining the Bermuda Police on 7th July 1967.   He retired in March 1997, after 30 years of service in a variety of departments including Central Division, Prosecutions, Training School, Operations, as OIC Central Parishes, in "A" Department, and later in the newly formed Computer Section.  He had been promoted to Sergeant in September 1976 and was an exceptionally popular officer.

John was an avid sportsman who played tennis and cricket in our Police Teams, but he really excelled as a great rugby player  -  a formidable 2nd row forward - who went on to captain our Police Rugby Team at a time when it was second to none on the Island.  

By coincidence we had recently published a photo of the Police Rugby Team that won the Nicol Shield back in 1973 with John as Captain. For more information about the team and their victory against Teachers Rugby Club that year go to our "Who, Where and When" column headed "How good was this rugby team? It can be found at  http://expobermuda.com/index.php/who-when-where/398-how-good-was-this-rugby-team

In 1976 John was struck down by a severe reaction to a flu vaccination which left him partially paralysed, and from which he never fully recovered despite years of treatment and rehabilitation.   For a man who had been so active on the sports field it must have been devastating for John,  but his strength of character came to the fore and he never complained about his condition. In fact, just the opposite! Fortunately he had the full support of his lovely wife, Mary who met him very shortly after she arrived in Bermuda in 1968 working as a nanny for a Bermudian family.   We understand that their first date was at the PRC.

John and Mary were married in 1970, and they had three children, Simon, Rachel and Nicholas.

John continued his career in the Bermuda Police working for several years in Prosecutions Department and latterly in Operations in the newly formed Computer Section. 

John was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct in July 1985. He retired from the Bermuda Police Service on 2^nd March 1997 after serving for 30 years.

Never one to stand still for a moment,  John then embarked on a second career in the Crown Prosecutions Office where he was held in the highest regard by all who worked with him.  He finally retired in 2011 at the age of 69.

John had always been a totally devoted father to his three children, supporting them in all of their endeavours and activities, and he was delighted when his son, Simon and wife Sarah  had two daughters,  Eve and Lily,  making him an extremely proud grandfather.

John may not have been able to play sports but he was a great sports fan and loved to keep up with all of his favourite teams. He was, of course, a passionate fan of England's rugby team but was also a great fan of Gareth Edwards and had great admiration for the way Wales played rugby.  He also loved to watch England's cricket team in action and being a "Tyke" through and through John would  enjoy their matches even more if the ever present Yorkshire contingent  were shining.  He always followed the Yorkshire  cricket team and would wax eloquent about the days when Len Hutton, Johnny Wardle, Brian Close and Fred Truman were in their prime.  More recently he followed the rapidly rising career of Joe Root who has already been compared to the great Sir Len Hutton.  Fellow "Tyke", Dave Garland, and John watched just about every sports film they could lay their hands on.

John maintained very close contacts with many of his Police colleagues and fellow sportsmen, both here in Bermuda and abroad.  He and Mary would also often attend our Ex-Police Association functions.

Following John’s passing, Mary and his family held a remembrance reception at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club that was packed as tightly as a rugby scrummage.  Rex Osborne acting as MC and read out tributes to John sent from his family and friends around the world.

His son Simon took on the onerous task of giving a eulogy and did an exceptional job in doing so.  Simon kindly gave us permission to publish his comments which were as follows:-

It is my pleasure to welcome you all here this evening and to do my best, on behalf of the family, to speak in remembrance and celebration of John. 

Among us this evening are people who connected with John at various stages and in different ways during his life.  Thank you all for sharing this time with us.

Of John’s family here now is Mary, John’s beloved wife of over 45 years and children Rachel, Nicholas and myself.  Also his cousin Simon, daughters-in-law Sarah and Marilyn, and his greatly adored grandchildren Eve and Lily. 

Unable to attend, but gathering overseas are John’s sisters Elizabeth, Margaret, Susan, brother Henk and special lifetime friends Keith and Judy Staples.

John was never one for ceremony.  He preferred things simple and modest.  So this evening in this casual way we come together to remember the man and his journey through life. 

Remembrance and Celebration

John was born on 2^nd March 1942 in Middlesbrough, England.  He was birthed at home and considerably premature and they thought he would not make it through the first night.  He did of course and then grew to become well over 6 foot tall.

Olive, John’s mother was from a long time Yorkshire family.  John’s father, Cornelis, was a Dutchman and when he was young the family moved to the Netherlands where they lived in the Hague.  Some years later they returned and Yorkshire remained a deep love of his always.

Of his childhood years he spoke fondly.  He was good at all sports but rugby and cricket were his main interests.  His mother’s washing line was always sagging low as she kept up with a steady flow of muddy team kit.  John adored his 3 younger sisters.  He was the man of the house at an early age because his father was often at sea for extended periods.

In 1967 John came to Bermuda to join the Police Service (as one of 12 new recruits). 

And it was here that John met his wife Mary.  As chance would have it she had seen him at the flagpole on Front Street on her first full day on the island.  He was memorable that day.  He was in uniform and sporting a large bandage across his broken nose.   He had broken it playing rugby the afternoon before – but unwilling to leave the after-match party until the very late hours – he had missed the deadline to report sick and had to work that day. 

No doubt John knew right away that he could never do better than Mary.  Their 46 years of marriage started in 1970.

“Vanders” is how he was known to his colleagues in the Police.  He was exceptionally popular and respected.  In 30 years in the Service he reinvented himself multiple times from policeman to trainer, prosecutor and then computer specialist.  Not content to retire, John continued on to work with the Department of Public Prosecutions. 

During his career he made many friendships and helped a lot of people in different ways.  John would certainly be pleased to see so many of his friends and former colleagues here today. 

John was very well known as a sportsman, playing cricket and rugby for Police.  He particularly loved rugby.  He was proud to have Captained the Police team as they accumulated significant amounts of silverware in the early 1970s.  His fellow “faded blues” recount that he was a powerful player with drive and ability.  He was motivational and ferocious on the field and comfortably laid back off it.   To John the after-match party was as important as the game itself.

In 1976 things changed for John when a flu vaccination triggered a severe illness.  It was little understood then and it changed his life dramatically at age 34 and caused complications from then on. 

Such a thing might have made many people cynical and bitter.  But not John.  He had the determination and good humoured resolve to fight back from each set-back and enjoy good times with his wife, children and friends.  These characteristics were remarked on by everyone who knew him. 

But he could not have done it without his wife Mary at his side.  Mary and John dealt with all challenges – and continued over the next 38 years to make a great life for the family.

John was a first class father and husband.  He was an energetic dad and the back garden was regularly the scene of cricket games that continued into darkness.  With his walking stick as a bat he made sure his boys could bowl a good line and length.  

He coordinated high action and memorable birthday parties.  He loved long summer afternoons on the Police Beach with his young family.  He tried never to miss anything and was there for all of Rachel’s ballet and music recitals and covered many miles patrolling the touchline when his sons played rugby.  He was incredibly proud of his children.  When he became a grandfather to Eve and Lily he was over the moon.

After busy days he often would sit outside puffing his pipe in the cool evenings.  He tried painting for a time and was pretty good.   He gave them away to friends when asked.  He even sold a few paintings once when Mary arranged for some to be on display in Triminghams.  He was amused by that.

John’s retirement was shorter than hoped for.  But in just a few years he and Mary managed to get a lot done.  They travelled in Europe, visited Alaska, the Grand Canyon and of course Yorkshire.  They met up with old friends or made friends on the way.

John had great support from good friends all along.  His regular lunches with and visits from Ron Beech, Rex Osborne, Peter Duffy, Dave Garland, Steve Dunleavy, Dave Carruthers and others were great for lively conversations on events past and present.

Until just 3 days before he passed away John had been attempting yet another come back.  Right up to the end he would still greet visitors with a shake of his big hand and want to talk about how they were doing.

John will be sorely missed.  He was a big strong man with a kind and gentle soul.  He was admired and respected by many.  He retained his sense of humour and positive outlook despite significant struggles and inspired others to the same.  He was a wonderful father and husband and a loyal friend.

Thank you all for coming and celebrating John’s life with us.