By: Dennis Beyer
I guess I won't complain about driving to Orlando or Titusville (Fl.) anymore. I certainly can't express sorrow about local roads, after travelling to Stanley, F.I. The travel distance, as the crow flies, was 5518 miles.
"F.I." is the abbreviation for the Falkland Islands. In order to get there I had to take my wife on a cruise around Cape Horn at the end of South America. Naturally when I saw a one day port visit in Stanley, F.I. (The Capital City) I caved in and agreed to go. After all this cruise stop was on the way!
The Mrs. and I used a shuttle craft to touch soil in Stanley. It was a 20 minute ride from the cruise ship. Once ashore I looked for help to find Police HQ on Ross Road. All I had to do was snap my fingers and help was there. Two Officers, patrolling the Dock, were pleased to direct me to the Station House. They even took a picture with me.
(Dennis Beyer, in Red, with two fine officers, (Kt & Neal)
of the Royal Falkland Islands Police. Dennis Beyer Photograph)
Once I entered HQ I spoke with Desk Officer, Chris Leat. I explained to him that I was looking for Chief Michael Luke. I quickly learned that Chief Luke has called it a career and is returning to London, U.K.
(Welcoming sign at reception desk. Dennis Beyer Photograph)
Wendy Van Rensburg, Police Constable, was the Office in Charge when I visited Feb. 11, 2023. She made me feel at home immediately. When I told her I was a Collector of Law Enforcement Memorabilia she said, "departing Chief Michael Luke was also a Collector." I sure wish I could have spent some time with him.
I explained to Constable Van Rensburg that I would like some information on the bombing of the Police H.Q. during the Falkland Islands' War in 1982. That was no problem as she had the "historical picture" which revealed the damaged roof.
(A copy of the damaged Police H.Q. following an errant missile
attack on June 12, 1982. Dennis Beyer Photograph)
I learned this attack took place on June 12th 1982, when a British "AS 12 Missile" came in low and erroneously hit the police building. The correct target was the Falklands Town Hall which had been captured by Argentinian forces.
In front of modern day Police HQ, I allowed my wife to take the picture below of this writer and Constable Van Rensburg. The wife did a good job too.
Constable Wendy Van Rensburg and Dennis Beyer
in front of Stanley Police HQ. Dennis Beyer photograph)
Inside Headquarters I found a tribute to all the "Chief's" in the history of the Royal Falkland Island Police Force. The first Chief was F. Parry who served 33 years - 1846 to 1879. The last man listed is J. McMahon who served from 2018 to 2022. Not listed, as of this article, is Chief Michael Luke, who I wish well in his retirement.
(Listing of Chief's of Police of the Royal Falkland Islands Police. Dennis Beyer Photograph)
The current command of the Royal Falkland Islands Police has been placed in the hands of Barry Thacker with the title of Acting Chief of Police. Chief Thacker is to be congratulated for his new appointment, along with our wishes for a safe and productive term as Chief of Police.
Chief Thacker and I caught up with each other by email on Feb 22, 2023. He was sorry to have missed my visit, but "glad you were well looked after."
I gained some knowledge of Chief Thacker's background primarily through a publication by Faith Spear, (U.K. Criminal Justice Advocate). She writes "The Criminal Justice Blog," and she knew Barry as a 17 year old, living in U.K. when the Falkland Islands War broke out. There were a half dozen kids, Faith, Pam, Mark, Sally, Denise & Barry, who came together studying news reports of the horror of war that summer in 1982. Eventually they went their different ways in life.
( a 40 year old photo of Faith, Pam, Mark, Sally, Denis and Barry. Photo courtesy Faith Spear)
Shortly after the War Thacker entered Law Enforcement. He was 18 years of age. He trained at "Ryton on Dunsmore police college". At the conclusion of this training he received a Commandants' "Silver Baton" for being the outstanding student in the class.
Forty years later, following a distinguished career in the U.K., Barry Thacker started a new chapter in his life by taking a position with the Royal Falkland Islands Police. In February of 2023 he was promoted to Acting Chief (RFIP) of this distant island police force.
(Barry Thacker in 2020. Courtesy of Faith Spear)
Below are a couple of pictures related to the police force in the Falkland Islands. The first two are of the Police HQ as it stands today. It is the same structure that was hit with a British missile in 1982. The building has been restored and proudly shows its blue & white police flag above a window. The third picture is of a modern day police cruiser. It is colorful for sure - yellow & blue check. The word "Police" is painted in red across the rear of the vehicle.
(A close up picture of the flag attached to
Police HQ above window. Dennis Beyer Photograph)
( Picture of RFIP Flag over window, and a blue
police lantern on the right by entry to Station. Dennis Beyer photograph)
(A modern and colorful Blue and Yellow Police SUV
with the word POLICE in red paint below license plate. Dennis Beyer photograph)
(Current Police Patch of The Royal Falkland
Islands Police. Dennis Beyer photograph)
(People enjoying their Brew and Fish N' Chips
at The Globe Tavern. Dennis Beyer photograph)
(A sign posted on the wall of The Globe Tavern.
Dennis Beyer photograph)
Certainly my visit with the Royal Falkland Island Police made wonderful memories for me. I will cherish them in the Memories I have Collected over the last 50 years.
