Cop killed in car crash to get military funeral on Sunday

The police officer who died in a car crash in Mesopotamia on May 26 will be accorded a military funeral on Sunday.

The funeral of the late Corporal of Police 118 Vandy Bruce takes place at the Lauders Deliverance Baptist Church.

Viewing and tributes will commence at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon. Burial will be at the MC Fun Cemetery, police said in a statement.

Superintendent of Police, Joel James will command the parade with Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nigel Butcher as adjutant. 

Bruce died at the scene when his vehicle went over a bridge and into a river in Hopewell while he was driving on his way home. 

A post-mortem concluded that he died of multiple trauma due to a motor vehicle accident and cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that takes place when abnormal amounts of fluid accumulate in the pericardial sac compressing the heart and leading to a decrease in cardiac output and shock.

Bruce was a police officer for over 32 years.

He enlisted in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force on Feb. 12, 1992. 

“He was a fearless and dedicated police officer. His dedication to duty was unquestionable. He was a well-rounded and experienced officer who worked at several police stations and units across the police force, including Beat and Patrol, Narcotics Unit, and Special Services Unit. Rapid Response Unit, Mesopotamia, Calliaqua, Vermont, Layou, Barrouallie, Spring Village and the Chateaubelair Police Stations. His last deployment was at the Port Police Security Unit,” the police force said in a press statement.

 “The Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Enville Williams and all other ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) extend heartfelt condolences to the widow, children, family, friends, and colleagues of the Late Corporal Vandy Bruce during this difficult time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.”

Bruce is the second police officer to die tragically this year.

On March 17, Police Constable 849 Spencer drowned while fishing in Brighton.