Friars Bay:--- Outgoing commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet was showered with compliments for the excellent work he did on St. Martin during his three year stint on the island. Several law enforcement officers from around the island attended the farewell party Saturday evening at the Friars Bay Beach Café even though Brunet will officially leave St. Martin on August 1 to take up a new job in Paris.Colonel Caminade of the Gendarmerie of Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barths said Brunet will be missed, he is a hard worker, one that was among the people and always worked in the field even though he was the one in charge. Brunet, he said, is special in many ways when it comes to his leadership skills.
Matthieu Doligez of the Prefecture of St. Martin also described Brunet as dedicated worker and one who was always present. He said those that attended the farewell party regret that Brunet has to leave. Doligez said during the six months he has been on St. Martin he personally experienced Brunet's leadership skills and his diligence to public service. "It is because of your diligence and your sense of general interest for the people of St. Martin that you fight so hard against insecurity."
Prosecutor Jacques Louvier in his words of appreciation said Brunet was more than a leader, he was a key player and one that could be depended upon. Louvier further explained that Brunet will be missed because he knew the island very well, he integrated himself on St. Martin the moment he took on the leadership role. "St Martin is losing a hard worker."First Vice President Aline Hanson said it is due to Brunet's hard work that youth delinquency crime has reduced so much and it is also because of his dedication the people of St. Martin are able to sleep more peacefully at night. Hanson said even though Brunet is leaving the island he will never forget St. Martin because there is no other place like this island. She also praised Brunet's wife for allowing her husband to be so active within the community while neglecting his family at home.
Besides the compliments, Brunet was presented with medals from the Gendarmerie, the Prefecture, and several gifts from those he was close to including his colleagues from the St. Maarten Police Force. Head of the detective department Denise Jacobs, Head of CID Richard York, and detective Krips were among the invited guests at Saturday's farewell party. Richard York presented a token of appreciation to Brunet on behalf of the St. Maarten Police Force.
Brunet will be taking up a new job in the Gendarmerie Nationale in Paris, working on cyber crime.
The Chief of Police of the St. Maarten Police Force Peter De Witte is expected to meet with Brunet sometime in July before his departure since De Witte was assigned to other duties Saturday evening and could not attend the farewell party.
Click here to view more photos of the farewell party held on Saturday evening for Commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet.