Praise for “respected” Police Chief taken by cancer

Monday 23 July 2018

Tributes have poured in from across the Channel for a “much-loved and respected” Police Chief Officer who passed away over the weekend after fighting cancer “with amazing positivity and dignity.”

Rob Bastable died on Saturday, surrounded by his immediate family.

The committed Christian joined the Jersey Police in February 2013, following 30 years of service with the City of London Police where he held responsibility for “high profile operations” within the city. 

Starting as a Superintendent Head of Uniformed Operations, he worked his way to Deputy Chief before being appointed to the top role in July last year following the departure of Mike Bowron.

The move followed in the footsteps of his father, who also held a Superintendent role in the City of London Police for three decades. Earlier this year, one of his two sons followed the family tradition, taking up a role with the Metropolitan Police.

Announcing his passing “with great sadness”, Police officials recalled how Mr Bastable, who is survived by his his parents and wife, Frances, had quickly earned the esteem of his colleagues during his four years in Jersey.

“Rob was a much-loved and respected leader and police officer who will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him or had the pleasure to work with him,” they said.

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— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) July 23, 2018

Julian Blazeby, Acting Police Chief Officer and Director General Justice and Home Affairs, commented: “Rob Bastable was first and foremost very much a family man and committed Christian who brought so much to the police service through his leadership, commitment and great sense of humour. Rob will be missed by his colleagues and partners from the blue light services and across the States of Jersey whom he worked closely with and formed strong relationships. All of the States of Jersey’s thoughts reach out to Rob’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Jersey Fire and Rescue also sent their condolences to the family, while St. Saviour Constable Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard wrote on Facebook: “Such sad news. Love and hugs to his family.”

Guernsey’s Police force and Border Agency added their praise to the “gentleman”, stating that they were “incredibly sad to hear of his passing.”

Tributes even came in from as far afield as France on social media.

“So sorry to read the sad news. Rob was a great leader and a good person. He visited us in Granville as Head of Uniformed Police when the new Head of the Police Station was appointed a few years ago,” one commenter wrote on behalf of the French Police Nationale Officers in La Manche.

The flag at Police Headquarters is currently being flown at half mast today in honour of Mr Bastable.

Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman commented that he and his Assistant Minister, Deputy Guida, were "deeply saddened" to hear of his passing.

"Rob was greatly respected by all his colleagues in the Police and across Home Affairs. He was a thoroughly decent man, a true gentleman with a strong work ethic and excellent sense of humour. He had a caring and kind manner, and was a pleasure to work with. Jersey has lost a highly skilled and professional public servant," he said.

"He bore his illness with tremendous spirit, dignity and courage. The thoughts of all the staff in Home Affairs are with Rob’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. We will remember him fondly and miss him greatly.”