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Police Announce Untimely Deaths of Two Officers

June 13, 2006 – Police Commissioner Elton Lewis regrets to inform the citizens of the Virgin Islands of the untimely deaths of Police Lieutenant Gregory Bennerson and Police Corporal Shelia Middleton.
Bennerson was stricken by a major medical illness at his residence earlier on the evening of June 12. He died while receiving treatment at Juan F. Luis Hospital and died on the morning of June 13. He was a native of St. Croix who has served in the department for 24 years with the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the V.I. Police Department. He earned the rank of lieutenant in 1996. The officer served as commander of the bureau for four years and was a ballistics expert. He also served as a senator for two years, representing St. Croix.
Middleton, also a native of St. Croix, has served for more than 22 years. She was stricken by a major medical illness at her residence earlier on the evening of June 12, and died later that night at Juan F. Luis Hospital. The officer served in the Crime Prevention Bureau for more than 16 years, having oversight responsibility for daily operation of the bureau on St. Croix. She was also a catalyst in establishing the Neighborhood Watch Program throughout the district and was involved with DARE and PAL.
"You have been two of those officers who could always be counted on to go above and beyond the call of duty. You had the convictions for doing the right thing, compassion for a job well done and concern for both the police department and the people of the Virgin Islands. Thank you for your untiring dedication to duty, your guidance and understanding of the task before us; we will miss you," stated Commissioner Lewis.
Police Chief Novelle E. Francis Jr., Deputy Police Chief Herminio Velazquez and Commissioner Elton Lewis, on behalf of all police officers, extend condolences to the families, relatives and friends of Lt. Bennerson and Cpl. Middleton.

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