Chairman of the Police Welfare Association (PWA) Corporal Jefferson Drigo has described that late Ryan Shillingford as a hardworking and selfless and dedicated police officer.
Corporal Ryan Shillingford died in a hospital in Martinique on December 26, 2020, and was laid to rest at the Roseau Roman Catholic Cemetery after a funeral mass on January 29, 2021, at the Roseau Cathedral Chapel.
His body was exposed for viewing at Police Headquarters in Roseau where family, friends, colleagues, and well wishers filed past the casket paying final respects.
Drigo, who was a close friend of the deceased, said he saw Shillingford going through struggles and it is sad that he had to depart this life so soon. Corporal Shillingford was 44 years old and served for over 20 years in the police force.
Meantime, Police Chief (acting) Lincoln Corbette, said Corporal Shillingford will be missed by everyone at police headquarters.
“He will be missed by all of us. He was very close with his kids; no one could mess with his kids but we have given them the assurance that we will be with them,” Corbette said. “He performed a very significant task for us during the height of COVID in Dominica ensuring that tents were in place and vehicles always were in order for us…also during the riot of February 2017, he was in the heat of it…no-nonsense police officer”
According to the Chief, although Corporal Shillingford was not part of the Riot Squad, he took it upon himself to patrol the city of Roseau and put out many fires, “that was Corporal Ryan Shillingford; he was bold and fearless.”
In the eulogy, Shillingford was described as a “devoted family man” who was dedicated to his job.
“When he became ill and was hospitalized and his illness required him to remain on complete bed rest, he did not like being away from home or family. Ryan’s time on earth, although short, impact many lives. He will be greatly missed but his suffering is over.”
Corporal Shillingford was given a full military funeral.
Rest In Everlasting Peace Cpl. Shillingford. Thanks for your service in a noble profession that can be so thankless unless we are directly impacted. God’s speed!
Thanks for your dedicated service to the public and your love for family. Condolences to your family and friends, and to your police family as well. May your life be an inspiration and example to us all. RIP.