Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington is expressing sadness on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following the passing yesterday of former Commissioner of Police, Colonel Trevor MacMillan.

"I am filled with regret at the passing of Colonel MacMillan who gave unselfish and outstanding service to Jamaica during his over forty years of involvement with the Security Forces while serving in the Jamaica Defence Force, as Commissioner of Police and as Minister of National Security. The Force and the nation benefited from his knowledge, wisdom and courage. He will be missed.

"On behalf of the JCF, I offer condolences to his wife, family and friends," Ellington said.

MacMillan was a member of the Jamaica Defence Force from 1959-86. After leaving the army, he worked at Peat Marwick and Company, then with the Revenue Protection Division (RPD).

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He was appointed police commissioner following his departure from the RPD, the first person outside the ranks of the JCF assigned to that post.

Colonel MacMillan served as Commissioner of Police from 1993-1996. MacMillan's tenure as police commissioner was controversial. His drive to rid the JCF of rogue police officers and instil a level of professionalism made him unpopular with some senior personnel. MacMillan was sacked as commissioner in 1996 after a falling-out with Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

In May 2008, he was appointed national security minister by Golding, but resigned abruptly after 10 months in the job.

MacMillan was married twice. His second marriage, to Dr Olivia McDonald, produced a son. He had two children - a son, and a daughter from his first marriage. He is also survived by three grandchildren. He was 71 years old.