Terming it ‘A Personal Comment To The Work Of The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Chaplain Kevin Santucci’, Police Commissioner Stephen Corbishley publicly applauded him for his personal commitment to be “there when people are in crisis”.
In a post published on Saturday (Jan 9) on his Facebook page Mr Corbishley wrote: “Kevin works tirelessly (and more often than not for no remuneration) to support officers and staff in the BPS and other departments.
“He silently attends the side of victims who have lost loved ones. He is there when people are in crisis. He turns out in the middle of the night at the drop of a hat when an incident happens. He and the Occupational Health team at the BPS look after our most important asset, our people.
“Kevin goes further and seeks to look after our community not least those in need and are vulnerable. He is a fantastic counsel to people even if they do not realize they need it and I have benefited from much good and considered guidance (he even phones my mum up to check she is ok and let her know her son is too!). His approach is also not ‘Bible bashing’ but human and filled with kindness which captures those who may not be religious.
At times like this in the world the ‘Kevin’s’, our chaplains and other religious leaders can and do play a valuable part in our community. We share one thing, being human, difference just adds value (note to other parts of the world).
Just thought I would say…
PS: Behind every great man is a great woman and a shout out to Karon too who is fabulous.”
When contacted by Bermuda Real on what prompted him to write and publish the post, the Commissioner said he was compelled to do it “following a conversation, one of many” on Saturday and the “realization” that Mr Santucci “does so much for others”.
“I like to highlight those who silently do their role without fanfare or plaudits”.
“Also at this time in our lives community togetherness is more important than ever, not least with what we see across the world.,” he added.
“Regarding this year we want to work even closer with our communities, not least those most vulnerable and develop greater trust in the BPS, particularly in parts of the Black community, make inroads to guide young men away from crime and gang life and finally guide Bermuda through the threat of this virus so we land in summer together, stronger and closer as an island.”
We also followed up with Chaplain Santucci for his reaction.
“As Chaplain, I am here to serve and not to be served,” he said.
“I have never pushed religion on people as I am called to minister to them, but love and have compassion to all.
“I am so happy to be a part of that group of people around the world who don’t have much, but give all to help their country. Then when the work is done, to come home to see my wife Karon, with my children Kevina, Jonathan and granddaughter Karis treat me like a king.”
From a religious perspective, he added: “Years ago, I learned a song that rings in my head often as I help people” ‘In the harvest field now ripened, there’s a work for all to do; Hark! The voice of God is calling, to the harvest calling you. Little is much when God is in it! Labour not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown, and you can win it, if you go in Jesus’ name’.
Mr Santucci concluded: “This song made such a profound impact on my life that words cannot describe – for me,
“I thank Bermuda for giving me the opportunity serve.”
