Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Slain policeman Special Constable Dowan Dwayne Peart, was described as well-mannered, honest, well-spoken and a devout Christian who got baptised at age 10.

Peart was shot dead after he stopped to help men pretending to be policemen while on his way from church in Grange Lane, St Catherine on January 29.

"I remember when he came to be recruited he carried a white attaché case, such was the pride he took in his job," Assistant Commandant Elaine Roache said during the service of thanksgiving for Peart at the New Testament Church of God in Bayside, Portmore, St Catherine yesterday.

Bishop Wellesley Blair said he worked at the Gregory Park New Testament Church of God with the policeman. "We cannot have our men and women being killed by gunmen and something meaningful is not being done about it," Blair told the mourners. "Those who use the gun must be prepared to face the judgement."

The clergyman said there needs to be more than cosmetic response to these illegal acts.

In a tribute the Island Special Constabulary Choir transformed the gathering into a mass choir with its rendition of I'll Be Going Home.

Among those in attendance were High Court judges, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop and Bryan Sykes and Police Commissioner Owen Ellington. Peart was interred in Clydesdale, Alexandria, St Ann.