Tirena Rollins (nee Belboda) joined the Bermuda Police as a young Cadet in August 1981, and was appointed as a police officer in April 1983. She attended Basic Training Course #33, from May to September of that year, one of three policewomen to do so.
From the outset Tirena proved to be an outstanding and much loved member of the BPS who enjoyed a remarkable career over 35 years until her etrement at the age of 55 in April 2019.
Sadly, Tirena passed away, too soon, on 10th December 2025, and shortly afterwards we posted the following tribute to Tirena written by Commissioner Darrin Simons which read as follows:-
“Tirena began her remarkable career with the Bermuda Police Service on 10th August 1981 as a Police Cadet and was appointed as a Police Officer on 27th April 1983.
She was confirmed in her role on 27th April 1986 and served with distinction until her final day of service on 27th April 2019.
After successfully completing her initial training, Tirena joined the original 'C' Watch Central. Her passion for investigations became evident early in her career when she was transferred to the Women's Policing Division, now known as the Vulnerable Persons Unit. She later joined Central CID and was confirmed as a Detective Constable on 25th November 1988.In April 2000, Tirena passed her Sergeant's exam and was promoted to Sergeant on 25th June 2002. Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to her duties.Tirena's impact extended beyond her professional achievements.
A passionate advocate for fitness, she enjoyed running, football, and working out with her colleagues. She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24th race and played football for Dandy Town before joining the Police football team.Her caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities. Tirena was known for her big heart and her desire to help others, often going out of her way to assist those in need. Her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Tirena is survived by her two daughters, Shannyn and Zharya; her grandsons, Sauvi Douglas and Zauchi Marley; her mother, Patricia Belboda; her sisters, Corrinda and Francine; and her brothers, Loren, Anton, and Coy. She was predeceased by her brother Keema.The Bermuda Police Service family extends our deepest condolences to her loved ones--her mother, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and former and current colleagues--during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are mourning her loss."
A Celebration of Life Service was held for Tirena at 1pm on Saturday 11th January 2025 at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium and interment followed at St. Paul's Cemetery in Paget.
Tirena Rollins (1964-2024): police officer and artist
A few days after the Celebration of Life Service, the Royal Gazette published a beautiful article about Tirena, written by Jonathan Bell, which read as follows:-
Retired police sergeant Tirena Rollins was a woman of diverse talents, from art to sport (File photograph from Royal Gazette)
A dedicated former police officer with a flair for painting and writing has been remembered for her “dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties”.
Tirena Rollins took solace from her long hours of police work in painting, telling The Royal Gazette in 2014,
as she prepared to exhibit her work at the Bermuda Society of Arts: “The job is very exciting and interesting, but it can be very hard to leave it behind at the end of the day.”
Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said: “Tirena's impact extended beyond her professional achievements.
“A passionate advocate for fitness, she enjoyed running, football and working out with her colleagues.
“She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24 race and played football for Dandy Town before joining the police football team.”
Mr Simons added: “Her caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities.
“Tirena was known for her big heart and her desire to help others, often going out of her way to assist those in need.
“Her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.”
Ms Rollins loved art from childhood, excelling at the subject in high school.
She took a break from painting after joining the Bermuda Police Service as a cadet in August 1981 to give back to the community — but gradually returned to art and began painting abstracts as well as writing poetry.
She had her first show in 2004 to celebrate her 40th birthday, and used the occasion to raise money for charity.
Additionally, in the wake of her retirement from the police force, she forged ahead in the water trucking industry.
Ms Rollins was appointed as a police officer in April 1983, and Mr Simons said she served with distinction until her final day on the job on April 27, 2019 — her 55th birthday.
He added: “After successfully completing her initial training, Tirena joined the original C Watch Central.
“Her passion for investigations became evident early in her career when she was transferred to the Women's Policing Division, now known as the Vulnerable Persons Unit.
“She later joined Central CID and was confirmed as a detective constable on November 25, 1988.”
Ms Rollins passed her sergeant's exam in April 2000 and was promoted to the rank in June 2002.
Mr Simons added: “Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties.”
He said her favourite number was 10, which held significant meaning throughout her life — from her football jersey to the date of her passing.
Painting helped Ms Rollins to unwind from the rigours of the job, and she often worked deep into the night.
“It comes from my soul,” she told the Gazette. “I don’t know what is going to come out until it is done.”
She left her paintings untitled to leave them open to the viewer’s interpretation.
Her principal medium was acrylic on canvas, but she also found expression in oil painting and charcoal on paper.
Ms Rollins’s artwork, which she framed herself, decorated the walls of the court liaison department, and sold for charitable causes at police auctions.
In recent years, she moved into a traditionally male-dominated industry, trucking water for Liquid Gold Water.
Tirena Liane Rollins, a distinguished police sergeant and artist, was born on April 27, 1964. She died on December 10, 2024, aged 60”
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ExPo Facebook Comments
Following initial receipt of the sad news about Tirena, we posted an article about Tirena here on our ExPo website, and also on our ExPo Facebook page. Here are several of the comments made by Tirena’s former colleagues:-
Steve Parkinson - I’m deeply saddened to hear this. Tirena was always smiling and laughed at all my corny jokes. She’s been taken way too soon. RIP Tirena.
John Andrew Powell Sr. - RIP Tarina. I was in that # 33 Training Course. Hugs to her family and friends.
Bucko Kev - Sorry to read this. Tirena was on my watch, C Watch when I was in Bermuda. May she Rest in Peace.
Heidi Dyson - Very sad to read this, my condolences to her family. I remember her from when I served, she always had a smile on her face.
Clive Williams - Very sad to hear this, I worked with Tirena at Hamilton in the late 80’s. Always smiling, she was good fun and a good officer. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Shavon Edwards - My deepest condolences to Tirena’s family and loved ones. I remember her fondly and with the greatest respect as an officer.
David Abraham - She was a real gem! Huge miss.
Andre Richardson - SIP. Condolences to the family and by extension the BPS
Anne J Phillips - Lovely, kind woman. Rest in peace Tirena
Keith Senior - Dear Tirena, you were so lovely and we had so many laughs! We worked together and did good together. So sad to hear this news. Big luv girl.
Angus Brown - I’ve only just found this. What a shock. I worked with Tirena in CCID for some time back in the 80’s and agree completely with all the comments made by everyone else who worked with her. Always smiling and laughing, but a damn good, hard working detective at the same. I’m now in England, but would not have missed her “send off” if I were still in BDA. She was just lovely!
Jonathan Smith - Very sorry to learn of Tirena’s passing. Worked with her for several years as a team member and colleague in Central CID. Lots of tough cases, long interviews and some laughs along the way. Tirena was anxious to learn - and she did. She was hard working, dependable and persistent- especially when the full facts needed to be drawn out during interviews. Gone too soon for sure.
Robin Locksley - Very sorry to learn this news - a good officer gone to soon. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she RIP.
There is no question that Tirena was both an outstanding police officer and a person who embraced life to the full in everything she did. We are proud to publish this article in our Hall of Fame.