Young P.C. Anthony "Tony" Smith
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of our good friend and colleague, retired Inspector Anthony “Tony” Smith, here in Bermuda on 11th August after recently undergoing treatment abroad for a serious illness.
Tony joined the Bermuda Police in January 1968, as an experienced police officer having served in the Kent Constabulary as a cadet and as a constable. He arrived here along with Steve Dunleavy, Eric Sanderson, David “Dai” Thomas, Alex Arnfield, Gerald “Gerry” Molloy, and David Anderson, all of whom had previous police experience.
Tony’s first posting was to Eastern Division, St George’s (see photo attached of Eastern Division) where he served for a year before being transferred to Central Division (Hamilton). Following spells in CID, Murder Room and Eastern Division.
Tony truly found his calling when he was posted to Training School as Acting Sergeant in 1977. He quickly proved to be an outstanding and highly popular instructor and he went on to be promoted to Sergeant and later to Inspector whilst at Training School. Tony must surely be one of our most photographed police officers having served continually as an Instructor from Course 21 in 1977 through to Course 50 in 1995, and he was in each course photograph.
Our Police Training School had a cathartic effect on Tony who had never been sports minded until he came under the influence of Jeff Payne who was then the training school PE instructor. Tony took up running with a group of keen policemen and even travelled abroad with our Police Running Club to take part in the Jasper to Bannf running event in Canada. We understand he was still running regulary until just 5 weeks ago when he was taken ill. (His illness had nothing to do with running)
Tony was awarded the Colonial Police Long Service and Good Conduct medal in 1983 and he retired in November 1996.
Tony and his lovely wife Elizabeth were married in 1975, and they had two sons, Kent, born in 1976, and Grant born in 1977.
On behalf of all of our ExPo members we express our sincere condolences to Liz, and to Grant, Kent and their families.
We will provide more information regarding funeral arrangements when we receive them.
UPDATE - We have been advised by Liz Smith that "A Celebration of Life" for her husband, and our good friend and colleague, Anthony “Tony” Smith will be held at the Police Recreation Club on Thursday, August 29th from 3-5pm. Attire: Casual and Colorful.