RCIPS celebrates the life of William Hortor Rankine

(CMR) The RCIPS recently participated in the funeral service of the late former Inspector of Police, William Hortor Rankine, who passed away on 4 October. Mr. Rankine served with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service for 26 years, from 1970 to 1996.

During the funeral service, which was a full RCIPS ceremonial service, the body of Former Inspector Rankine was escorted to the Webster's Memorial Church in Bodden Town, where an RCIPS Bearer Party carried him. His body was also guarded by the Guard Contingent and was saluted by the parade contingent formed in his honor.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton presented a tribute to the family of former Inspector Rankine, where his history with the RCIPS was described, along with some of his most noteworthy accomplishments, including his various promotions and awards.

DCoP Walton presented the folded Cayman Islands flag at the burial ground, along with a service cap and belt to his granddaughter Chloe McLean, then laid the RCIPS Wreath at his grave. At the graveside ceremony, a final call for service was aired in his honor by the emergency dispatcher at the 9-1-1 Communication Centre of the Department of Public Safety and Communication.

“It was my honor to have presented on behalf of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Office of the Commissioner of Police and to be given the opportunity to pay my respects to the late, Former Inspector of Police Mr. William Horton Rankine,” said DCoP Walton.

Former Inspector W. H. Rankine enlisted in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service on 3 June 1970 at the age of 29. He was a very well-rounded officer who worked in various districts and departments over the years. He received a number of promotions and accolades throughout the span of his career.

In 1970, Inspector Rankine was placed at the Central Police Station for duty once he completed his training to become a police officer. In 1972, he was transferred to the East End Police Station, where he remained until his promotion from constable to corporal in 1975, at which time he was relocated to CPS once again.

Following his promotion, he traveled to Barbados to complete training for the role of a corporal. While at CPS, Inspector Rankine was promoted once again to the rank of Sergeant in 1977. The quality of his work and the impression that he made on both his commanding officers and those he was in charge of was reflected in the short period of time in which he was promoted, as he was then promoted to the rank of Inspector after only two short years, in the year 1979.

After his promotion to the Rank of Inspector, he was transferred to the Drugs Task Force. During his time at the Drugs Task Force, he and his team received a Commissioners Commendations and Award for a drug arrest that was made in his first year as an inspector.

After two years in the Drugs Task Force, Inspector Rankine was transferred to CPS in 1982. In the following year, 1983, he participated in the Royal Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following her visit, Inspector Rankine again was Commended and recognized by the Commissioner of Police for his “Efficiency and professional ability during the Royal Visit.”

In 1988, he was recommended for and received the Police Long Service Medal. Between 1989 – 1992, Inspector Rankine transferred between Cayman Brac Police Station, CPS, and the Eastern Districts, before returning to CPS in 1993, where he spent the remainder of his career.

Inspector Rankin retired from the service at the age of 55 in the year 1996, after 26 years with the RCIPS. He was spoken of in fondness by the then Commissioner of Police Mr. A.M. Grey, QPM, who noted that though Inspector Rankine did not wish for a retirement function to celebrate his service, he made certain that he was spoken to in person and thanked him for his service.

Throughout the years, the comments made by his colleagues and superiors painted a vivid picture of his character, which stays true to the memories shared by those who served alongside him, even for a short time. Words such as hardworking, respectful, dedicated, honest, knowledgeable, and disciplined, to state a few.

“On behalf of the RCIPS, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of our former Inspector of Police Mr. William Hortor Rankine,” Acting CoP Anthony Ennis said.

“It is clear that former Inspector Rankine provided an exceptional service to the Cayman Islands and made the RCIPS proud throughout his service. It was our pleasure to be a part of his send-off.”