We have just been advised of the sad news that former Sgt. John Cafferkey, who served in the Bermuda Police from August 1953 until September 1968, passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning, 29th January 2021, at the age of 91 at his home in Hertfordshire, England.
John was born in Ireland and he served in the Royal Air Force prior to joining West Riding Constabulary from 1950 until he came out to Bermuda in August 1953. Stationed mainly in Central Division (Hamilton) he was promoted to Sergeant in 1961, and was one of the early instructors when our Police Training School opened in the 1960's. He also served in the Press Liaison Office, and was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1966.
Basic Training Course No. 7 February - May 1966John met and married his wife Celine here in Bermuda, and they had six children, Kathleen, Denise, Brian, Maureen, Suzanne and Michelle. The family lived on Mary Victoria Road, Prospect, and after leaving Bermuda in 1968 they settled in St. Albans in Hertfordshire.
John is pre-deceased by Celine, and he leaves behind his six children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
We were advised of his passing by John's eldest granddaughter, Laura Campbell, who still resides here in Bermuda, and we will advise of funeral arrangements when they are available.
We offer our sincere condolences to John's family.
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30th January 2021
Message frrom Ray Sousa - We have just heard from former P.C. Ray Sousa who served in the Bermuda Police from 1966-1974 before emigrating to Australia where he still resides with his wife Pat and their family.
Ray was one of the first of our colleagues to write his lifestory in our “Then and Now” column, in which he mentions Sgt John Cafferkey who was at that time the leader of the new Catholic Scout Group at St. Michael’s Church. CLICK HERE to view Ray’s article which provides a comprehensive account of being born and raised in Bermuda, and his time serving in the Bermuda Police.
On learning of the passing of his old scout mentor, Ray has written the following tribute to Sgt Cafferkey:-
“John approached me when I was 17 and asked me to help run his new Scout Troop. I indicated at first that I was not interested. He told me that if I refused I would find his size 11 boot stuck up my backside if he caught me doing anything wrong! I quickly changed my mind despite the fact my father didn’t want me to do so, and I went on to be a Scout Leader for 25 years in Bermuda and Australia. It was Sgt Cafferkey who later encouraged me to join the Police Force which I did in 1966. He was one of the instructors at Police Training School when I attended the three month Basic Course No. 7. (See photo above).
I really enjoyed my time as a scout leader, and being a member of the Bermuda Police Force, and I’ve now been involved with Emergency Services for 55 years in Bermuda and Australia.
I’ve always greatly appreciated the guidance and encouragement that John Cafferkey gave me. I send my sincere condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.