Senior Police Constable (SPC) and Rescue Swimmer Mark Luke, a bright star in RCIPS’ Marine Unit, is the Deputy Governor’s choice for civil service Employee of the Month for May 2013.

Every step that SPC Luke takes at work is guided by the RCIPS mandate to “serve, protect and reassure”. As such, his superiors say, he provides unbiased service, without favour, prejudice or discrimination, and demonstrates by his daily actions the principle that justice must be evenly distributed.

Among his duties SPC Luke is in charge of inspecting and purchasing safety equipment for the marine unit, and he is ever mindful of Government getting full value for money spent. As such, he ensures that research is done and due process is followed in all instances. As importantly, he also ensures that all new purchases and equipment are well maintained.

Officer Luke repeatedly shows that he takes his motto ‘Service before Self’ literally to new heights. On two occasions, he has jumped off Pedro Bluff into the sea to rescue swimmers in difficulty and is credited with saving their lives. He is quick to stress that this plunge into the rocky waters and strong currents off Pedro was carried out only in his capacity as a rescue swimmer, and is not something that anyone can or should emulate.

Indeed, he considers going above and beyond his duty so routine that he presented a monetary reward offered by a grateful rescued swimmer to the RCIPS welfare fund.

It is no wonder that he is a much-liked team leader. In this role, he encourages good communication on an individual or group basis, which helps to build up a rapport that elevates team mood and morale.

A certified power boat captain and trainer, he leads team operations robustly but also provides feedback and encouragement, as needed, to his staff members. The team operates on a “call out” basis, meaning members respond to all calls for assistance in Cayman Islands’ waters or beyond, 24/7 and 365 days a year. SPC Luke is usually the first to arrive at the base and the best equipped for the task.

Lauding his selection for May, the Deputy Governor, when presenting remarked,

“Mark, I am aware that you have ‘selflessly served the Marine Unit from its inception and leapt from the Pedro Castle Bluff on more than one occasion to save people’s lives’. It has also come to my attention that a ‘swim and rescue’ victim offered you a financial reward for saving them; but instead of accepting the offer, you recommended that the money be sent to the Police Commissioner to be put in a welfare fund. It is for these reasons that you were named the ‘Most Helpful’.”

The Deputy Governor added, “Thank you for demonstrating such a remarkable level of performance and commitment to the Government and people of the Cayman Islands, and for your selfless and dedicated service“.

Asked to comment on his award, SPC Luke said he was genuinely caught by surprise. “I’m just really appreciative of the recognition and will continue to serve the people of these Islands,” he said.

Photo caption: Photo by Bina Mani

DG presents: Deputy Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, presents the May 2013 Employee of the Month award to RCIPS Senior Police Constable Mark Luke. Also seen is Commissioner of Police David Baines.

Group: L-r: Deputy Chief Officer Wesley Howell, Chief Officer Eric Bush, May 2013 Employee of the Month RCIPS Senior Police Constable Mark Luke, Deputy Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP and Commissioner of Police David Baines.