Veteran district constable to receive badge of honour

District Constable Ron Conrad McLean, who has spent more than three decades walking, patrolling and policing communities across Manchester and St Elizabeth, is to receive the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

McLean will accept his award during the National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day this Monday. Stationed at the Nain Police Station in St Elizabeth, McLean joined the force in 1989 and has since served more than 37 years. When he learnt of the award, he said it felt like a milestone he never expected at this stage of his life.

“I feel like I was married a second time. It’s a good feeling. I did not see something like this coming my way at this stage,” said McLean. He told JIS News that hard work and dedication are what earned it, and he has little patience for those looking for shortcuts.

“You have some people just like fast lane [but] with this job you have to start work like from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. So long hours,” he noted. For McLean, policing has never been limited to making arrests or responding to reports. Over the years, his responsibilities have included tackling praedial larceny, conducting patrols, assisting with immigration duties and Criminal Investigation Branch work, as well as performing guard-room and courthouse duties. He said the profession has its challenges, but the experience gained over the years has helped him to adapt to its changing demands.

The calling for McLean came early. He grew up in Racecourse in Harry Watch, Manchester, attending the Harry Watch All-Age School and later Mile Gully High School. His father was a police officer and, as such, the son followed in his footsteps.

“From day one going to school, I like the police work,” he noted. His career took him through several communities. He spent roughly 15 years in Cottage, Manchester, then about five years in Mandeville, followed by 13 years in Williamsfield in St Elizabeth. He later returned to Mandeville before moving to Junction, St Elizabeth, and eventually Nain, where he has been serving for more than a year.

“The community is all right. The people are good. We have crime now and again but the police are on top of crime down here,” he outlined.

While much has changed since he entered the police force, McLean believes technology has made a significant difference in modern policing, particularly in investigations.

Reflecting on moments that stand out, the officer does not point to an arrest or a high-profile case. Instead, he points to small acts of kindness, such as students from Nain High School sometimes approaching the station without bus fare or lunch money and his helping when he can. His commitment to young people has also extended to providing school supplies, contributing exercise books, along with pens, pencils and erasers, to help students prepare for the new school year. For McLean these acts of kindness are an important part of serving the public.

Away from policing, the father of four is a ‘born-again Christian’, who enjoys cricket and music.