Sergeant John T. Simmons
We are deeply saddened to report that one of our oldest retirees, 93 year old retired Sergeant John T. Simmons passed away on Friday 17th March 2023. John had been in failing health for some time and had been in care in recent months at Packwood Home in Somerset.
Somerset born and raised, “John T” as he was popularly known, joined the Bermuda Police on 18th December 1954, well before we had a police training school. His first posting was to familiar territory - Western Division (Somerset).
A year after joining the Police Force John T married Dorothy (nee Guishard) and they had three daughters, Valerie, Stephanie and Janelle.
Sgt John T patrolling the Eastern Parishes on his Vespa
After promotion to Sergeant in January 1967, John T transferred to Central Division (Hamilton) and spent several years working in both Central and Western Division, including a short spell on Mobile Reserve, before returning to Western Division in 1971 where he remained until his retirement in May 1980.
Back Rows (l-r) Dai James, Damian Willcocks, Colin Hopkins, Mike Scully,Ben Linton,
4th Row - Dave Barber, Chris Bowerman, Keith Melville, Foster Burke,
3rd Row - Bill Buchanan, Mike Phillips, Harry Mesham,
2nd Row - Louis Griffiths, Sgts. Neville Phllips,
Front Row - COP L.M. "Nobby" Clark, Inspector Hilton Wingood,
John T had an encyclopedic knowledge of the West End, and he was a much liked Sergeant with all those who served with him.
Following his retirement in 1980 became an entrepreneur and operated several businesses.
John T relaxing overlooking Hamilton Harbour
He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren, Conte and Jasmine Cameron, and Kayle and Kyle Christopher.
We extend our sincere condolences to Valerie (Francis), Stephanie (Cameron) and Janelle (Christopher), and to John T’s grandchildren and family.
We will update this report with funeral arrangements as soon as they are confirmed, and we understand that the funeral will likely be next Sunday 26th March at St. James, Church in Somerset.