Sergeant Cecil Smythe of the City Centre Police Station who was accidentally shot by a colleague while on duty. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

He had numerous challenges, but he remained dedicated to his job though his commitment resulted in him being confined to a wheelchair. Fifty-five-year-old Cecil Smythe, a sergeant attached to the City Centre Police Station, wore a warm smile and cracked a few jokes as he told The Gleaner about his disability.

Smythe's worst nightmare occurred when he was accidentally shot by one of his colleagues while carrying out an operation in Kingston.

Though 2009 marks 10 years since the incident, he is still carrying out duties as a cop. The shooting that left him paralysed was his third direct contact with a bullet while carrying out his duties.

On two occasions, Smythe was ambushed in volatile communities. He sustained injuries to his leg and hand, which left him with a damaged finger, but that didn't discourage him.

Gunshot victim

Though he has had more than his share of being a gunshot victim, Smythe said he was back on the job with no fear, and was always ready to take on any challenge.

Since the incident, he has been assigned to do mostly bookwork and giving directives to subordinates, but that's not ideal for the once active cop. That's why he doesn't allow his disability to confine him to station duties. He said he has visited a few crime scenes and sometimes took a stroll on the streets of Downtown Kingston.

"I have to make the best of the situation, I have to fight the challenges," he said.

With the support of his wife, Sharon Smythe, and his children, he continues to live his life through faith.

"My wife is a tower of strength. She gives me the necessary support I need," added Smythe.

The incident has caused him to be more introspective and embark on a renewed spiritual journey.

Motorised wheelchair

"I started to have a deeper reflection on God and I live my life strictly directed by Christian principles."

Smythe thinks his disability has deprived him of getting promotion as well as participation in several training sessions offered by the force.

"I believe I would be able to serve in a more dynamic way, but I tried to do my best at what I can do," he said.

The officer also misses having fun moments with his family.

"I am a family man and I can remember those days when I would go the beach and other social settings," he told The Gleaner.

Smythe, who joined the force at age 18, said he is not prepared to leave the force prematurely. Recently, the Government gave him a motorised wheelchair.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com