Jamaican law enforcement officers, community leaders to be honored at JAMLEO gala

Jamaican law enforcement professionals and community leaders will be recognized for their service and contributions to Jamaica and the diaspora when the Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization (JAMLEO) hosts its Fourth Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala in New York on Friday, Nov. 6.

Among those receiving special recognition is Deputy Superintendent of Police Garnet H. Sappleton of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), who will travel to New York to receive the organization's Leadership Award.

The recognition comes shortly after Sappleton received Jamaica's Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service during the National Honours and Awards celebrations on National Heroes Day, Oct. 19, 2026.

JAMLEO President Lieutenant Danae McFarlane said the organization was particularly honored to recognize Sappleton, describing the achievement as a testament to his dedication, professionalism and distinguished service to Jamaica.

She said celebrating his accomplishments on an international platform would further strengthen the relationship between Jamaican and Jamaican-American law enforcement professionals.

The gala, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Floral Terrace in Floral Park, New York, will bring together law enforcement officials, members of the Jamaican diaspora, business leaders and community partners for an evening of recognition and fundraising.

Several prominent figures from law enforcement and the wider community will receive awards for their professional achievements, leadership and service.

Among the law enforcement honorees are Chief Martine N. Materasso, chief of training, who will receive the Excellence Award; Deputy Inspector Douglas Moodie, who will receive the Trailblazer Award; Lieutenant Dange McFarlane, recipient of the Visionary Leadership Award; Deputy Inspector Venice Gayle, also a Trailblazer Award recipient; and SDS Christopher Neil, who will receive the Det. Dillon Stewart Heroism Award.

Other honorees include New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; New York City Department of Correction Captain Leon Britton, recipient of the Pinnacle Award; retired Detective Kenton H. Fraser, who will receive the President's Award; and Ruth Tulloch, also a recipient of the President's Award.

JAMLEO will also recognize prominent Jamaican community figures. Christopher Chin of VP Records and Irwine G. Clare Sr., chief executive officer of Team Jamaica Bickle, will receive Community Awards.

McFarlane said the annual gala represents more than an opportunity to celebrate professional excellence. It is one of JAMLEO's most important fundraising activities, with proceeds supporting scholarships and humanitarian programs in Jamaica and the United States.

She said the organization was established on the principles of unity, representation, cultural pride and service, with a commitment to ensuring that its members' professional achievements translate into meaningful opportunities for others.

"Our Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala is more than a celebration of excellence. It is a celebration with a purpose," McFarlane said.

Funds raised support educational programs and humanitarian initiatives, enabling the organization to assist underserved communities and create opportunities for those who need them most, she added.

A major focus of this year's fundraising effort will be JAMLEO's 2027 humanitarian initiative in Clarendon, the parish where McFarlane was born and raised.

Scheduled for April 25-29, 2027, the initiative will provide assistance to students, families, schools and community institutions through educational resources, charitable support and community outreach.

Planned activities include assistance to Sanguinetti Basic and Primary School and tuition assistance for final-year students at Alphansus Davis High School.

JAMLEO's humanitarian programs have previously taken its members and volunteers to St. James in 2024, St. Ann in 2025 and Westmoreland in 2026.

Through these initiatives, the organization mobilizes law enforcement professionals, volunteers, sponsors and community partners to provide assistance in education, health care and social welfare.

In addition to its humanitarian work, JAMLEO operates scholarship programs that provide financial assistance to deserving students in Jamaica and the United States.

An organization rooted in Jamaican pride

JAMLEO was established to unite law enforcement professionals of Jamaican descent, preserve Jamaica's cultural heritage and strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Its origins date to 2018, when a group of Jamaican-American members of the New York Police Department began meeting to establish an association that would promote unity, professional development, cultural awareness and community service.

Their efforts culminated in the formal establishment of the Jamaican American Law Enforcement Organization on Jan. 24, 2020.

Its mission includes encouraging greater Jamaican representation in law enforcement through recruitment, promoting cultural awareness, supporting professional advancement through mentorship and education, providing scholarships, and assisting educational, health and social institutions in Jamaica.

McFarlane said the organization's commitment to Jamaica remains central to its work, noting that the diaspora's responsibility extends beyond remembering its homeland to creating opportunities for future generations.

"I firmly believe that our greatest responsibility as members of the Jamaican diaspora is not simply to remember where we come from, but to ensure that our success creates opportunities for those who come after us," she said.

She added that JAMLEO's story is one of service, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

"We may serve in different countries, but we are united by one heritage, one purpose, and one commitment to service," McFarlane said.

As the organization prepares for its fourth annual gala, it is seeking continued support from the Jamaican diaspora, corporate sponsors, community organizations and friends of Jamaica.

McFarlane said the true value of the event would ultimately be measured not simply by the awards presented but by the lives improved through the scholarships and humanitarian assistance made possible by supporters' generosity.

For JAMLEO, the Nov. 6 gala will represent both a celebration of Jamaican achievement in law enforcement and a renewed commitment to supporting the communities that continue to shape its members.