Introduction   -  Members of the BPS community were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, retired Sergeant Tirena Rollins (nee Belboda) on 10^th December 2024. Tirena was an outstanding and much loved member of the Bermuda Police Service, who throughout her 38 year police career dedicated herself to making the world a better place in her own unique style.  

Following Tirena’s passing Commissioner Darin Simons stated that,  “Tirena's caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities. She was in so many ways, an ideal role model as a police officer.  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.”

Here on our ExPo website we have a “Hall of Fame” and we strongly felt that Tirena should be recognized for her boundless energy and her remarkable service to the community.  We are indebted to her sister Francine who, with the assistance of family members, has kindly  provided us with this beautiful tribute to Tirena:-

 Insert photo of Tirena in police uniform?

On Monday, April 27^th, 1964, a momentous event took place at No. 1 Dudley Hill, Paget; the birth of another beautiful baby girl to Randolph and Patricia Belboda. She was their third daughter and fifth child. They had always loved the name Tirena and to honor their newest addition’s unique position in the family, decided to name her Tirena Lianne Belboda. This naming event set the tone for a young lady who would live life uniquely and vibrantly, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed her path.

Photo/s of Tirena as a little girl - with family?

Tirena’s illustrious life began in a household filled with the love and energy of six siblings, devoted parents, grandparents and a host of cousins. Quiet yet strong, she quickly took her destined place as the spirited fifth sibling who did everything better, funnier, and faster. Her early childhood was filled with laughter and adventure—disco dancing with family and visiting neighbors, playing hide-and-seek in the neighborhood brush until dark, and building forts in the backyard trees with neighbors who became like extended family. Let’s not forget the fun they had in the neighborhood jungles, sliding off the hill on cardboard boxes and formica squares, playing with marbles and flying kites.  

Photo of Tirena in school uniform?

Tirena’s education began at Gilbert Institute in Paget, not far from her family home. There, her lively curiosity and spirited approach to learning were harnessed at an early age. She later attended Northlands Secondary School, where her determination and resilience shone brightly, earning her respect and admiration from both peers and teachers. Tirena enjoyed her school days along with the experiences and friendships she gained. Kathy Allers, one of her favorite teachers at Northlands, was often spoken of by Tirena as were many friends.

After completing her formal education, Tirena set her sights on a life of serving and protecting her community. She always had a heart for helping others. 

On August 10, 1981, she joined the Bermuda Police Service as a Police Cadet and was appointed as a Police Officer on April 27th 1983 She was confirmed in a role on April 27th 1986 and served with distinction until her final day of service April 27th 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 November 25th 1988.

In April 2000, she passed her Bermuda Police Sergeant’s exam and was promoted to Police Sergeant on June 25, 2002. Tirena served with honor and distinction in this role until her retirement in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and excellence after 38 years of service.

Throughout her career, Tirena was known for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties. As an accomplished athlete, Tirena’s competitive spirit and determination were unparalleled. She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24th Race and regularly competed in long-distance and cross-country events, fostering healthy rivalries that propelled her to excel. She also played women’s football for teams such as Dandy Town, Lady Bluebirds (Social Club), Pembroke Hamilton Club Zebras (PHC), and the Bermuda Police Team. Despite her petite stature, her capabilities were enormous and most certainly a reflection of her relentless strength and drive.

Any photos of Tirena running, playing football etc

In 1986, she survived a devastating motorcycle accident while returning home one early morning from an overnight shift at the Hamilton Police Station. The accident left her with multiple lacerations to her face, shattered hips, and legs, a broken jaw on both sides, skull fractures and in a coma. Tirena was not expected to live but with sheer grit and determination, she tapped into her inner strength to survive and learn how to walk and talk again.

Photo of Tirena when she was recoveting from injury etc

Tirena defied the odds, and to the amazement of her employers, family and friends, not only made the long recovery but went on to resume her police duties, compete in marathons, play football and later in life, single-handedly managed her water truck business which required hauling large heavy hoses and navigating Bermuda’s windy roads in a massive water truck. Her resilience and determination were unmatched, and she approached these life obstacles with unwavering strength.

She cared about people’s safety so much it led her following random strangers home and also putting them in her car. One night she found a lady walking on the street visibly intoxicated. She forced her into her car and was able to get the lady to tell her her address. The lady ended up vomiting and peeing all in the back seat of her car. She drove her home, found her key in her bag, unlocked her door, carried her inside, took off the women’s clothes, and tucked her in bed. She then locked the door and left. The next day her daughters came out to find her cleaning vomit and pee in her car and proceeded to tell them what had happened. She said, “ The lady is going to wake up today wondering how she got home and in her bed, maybe I should’ve left a note but I just wanted to make sure she was safe and no men could take advantage of her on the road”. Who do you know that tucks random drunk strangers into bed and then leaves? 

Older folk that were lonely gravitated to Tirena. She had a crew of them that she entertained. She often made friends with them as they’d constantly call 911 for someone to talk to. She would go to spend time with them at their houses just so they wouldn’t be lonely. One lady she visited on Hinson Island as she didn’t have any family or friends left. Tirena would pick up her laundry, wash and fold it, as well as do any grocery shopping for her until she passed away. She had many elderly friends she would talk with for hours even if she was exhausted. She loved to also video tape them and hold on to any wisdom they shared with her. 

While preparing to celebrate Tirena’s remarkable life, we gained a deeper appreciation for her spiritual connection with God. This connection was profoundly evident in the many poetic writings discovered in her dossier. Her poems offered us a window into her soul, plunged us into deep reflection and provided comfort in our grief. Tirena’s talent for poetry was a treasured gift to her family, a jewel that revealed her deep understanding of life’s fragility and her faith in the divine.

Among her writings was a poem she penned 20 years before her diagnosis, a poignant reflection on mortality that now feels prophetic. In her own words:

This poem encapsulates Tirena’s wisdom, faith, and enduring spirit. Through her words, we find peace in the knowledge that her life, though too short, was guided by a higher purpose. Her legacy will live on in the enduring beauty of her written words. Had God seen fit to preserve Tirena’s life, we would have had the privilege of witnessing her achieve even more incredible accomplishments. Tirena often expressed that she had unfinished business and passionately shared more of her innovative business ideas with her family. She was making steady progress toward realizing those dreams, each one a reflection of her creativity and dedication to her community.

Photo of Tirena with Sheehan and Zharia

Tirena’s boundless imagination and drive remind us that her legacy extends beyond her time with us. Her dreams and the joy she brought to others will continue to inspire us all. Tirena left many of us with final words of wisdom but more profoundly, to her daughters, Shennen and Zharia. She instructed them to "stay strong and stick together." These final five words to her daughters encapsulate her story. Tirena’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, dedication, respect, strength and love. Her unwavering dedication to her family and friends, contributions to her community, and her trail-blazing spirit, will forever be remembered. 

Sadly, on December 10, 2024, Tirena lost her battle with cancer, but not without a valiant and courageous fight. In her final days, Tirena, sought spiritual solace and guidance and rededicated her life to God. She spent meaningful time with the Chaplain reaffirming her connection to the Almighty. Her rededication brought her peace and strength.

Photo of Tirena with water truck etc.

Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter for Tirena. In 2019, she founded Liquid Gold Bermuda, the island’s first and only female-run water trucking service. Under her leadership, the business thrived and won the Best of Bermuda Award in 2022, making her the first female recipient of this honor in the water trucking industry. Her entrepreneurial endeavors didn’t stop there. In 2023, she launched a second business, Frosty the Ice Cream Truck. True to form, Tirena transformed the profile of Frosty, and established the slogan, “Happiness is a cold ice cream, it makes everything better,” which epitomized her mission of bringing joy to the community.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tirena was a multifaceted individual with an abundance of talents. She was an avid artist, starting with cartoon paintings in primary school and evolving into abstract art as she grew older. Tirena held two successful art shows in 2004 and 2015, donating the proceeds to Bermuda’s community charities—a testament to her generous spirit.

She also had a love for making sure she was capturing memories. She always had her camera or phone out for pictures and videos. She has left her family with an extensive collection that couldn’t be more appreciated. Tirena loved to dance and laugh. She danced like no one was watching even if it was 50 watching. The minute she heard and felt a beat you can be sure she would start to dance. When she traveled to Paris with her younger daughter, she danced in the train station to anyone playing music to raise funds, often causing a crowd. She didn’t care about anyone watching her. She would dance until she was literally breathless, tossing a good bit of money into their bucket for support and move on. The same took place in Morocco when she and her two daughters traveled there. She heard music and needed to join in dancing and created a crowd that enjoyed her performance. 

She had a deep love for vintage clothing and antique treasures, especially when it came to furniture. This passion made her a regular at thrift and second-hand stores. I used to tease her endlessly, saying The Barn was her real home because she never missed a week there. She would often go looking for things she didn’t necessarily need, but thought might be useful one day. And it wasn’t just for herself, she always shopped with others in mind, buying things she thought someone else might need. 

She was an artist, poet, carpenter, water trucker, detective, antique collector and hard worker. 

Submitted by Francine on behalf of Tirena’s family

Insert official photo of Commissioner Simons

Following Tirena’s passing Commisioner Darrin Simons issued the following tribute to her:-

"It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Retired Police Sergeant 350 Tirena Rollins, who left us on Sunday, 10th December 2024. 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”

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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.

Details of service and attendees?

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:-   

Tirena Rollins (1964-2024): police officer and artist

 Retired police sergeant Tirena Rollins was a woman of diverse talents, from art to sport.

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,   

Tirena Rollins in her element (File photograph)

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 received from 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.