Female Gambian police officer promoted for directing traffic in heavy rains

A Gambian female traffic cop, Corporal Kaddy Jarju, left home over the weekend neatly dressed in her uniform with just one aim in mind – to ensure free-flow of traffic for motorists. She had no idea the floodgates of heaven will open that bright day hence she reported at post without any raincoats or water-proof boots.

Corporal Jarju had an option to abandon post when the rains started. And her superiors would have no reason to question her because she was ill-equipped at that moment to still direct traffic in the downpour.

The mother of three shocked Gambian motorists and onlookers as she took off her shoes, pulled up her trousers to knee level and got into the flowing water and continued to give signals to vehicles with “unwavering passion, diligence and dedication amidst heavy rains.”

That little gesture of dedication and selfless service to mankind did not go unnoticed. Over the weekend, pictures of Jarju standing in the huge puddle went viral on Gambian social media platforms as Gambians praised her for her hard work.

The pictures also caught the eye of the Gambian police chief, Alhagi Mamour Jobe, and immediately promoted Jarju to the rank of a Sergeant on Monday at a brief ceremony in the capital, Banjul. In a statement, Jobe said he hopes elevating his subordinate after showing “diligence and dedication” will spur other law enforcers on to serve society better.

“The image of the selfless officer sparked admiration and requests by many Gambians of diverse backgrounds for the IGP to consider motivating the lady.

“This morning the Inspector General of Police Alhagi Mamour Jobe had the singular honour and pleasure of decorating Corporal Kaddy Jarju to the rank of Sergeant at his office.

“While congratulating her for the hardwork and selfless service, he used the opportunity to call on other officers to emulate such diligence and dedication to serving the public,” Jobe’s statement noted.

Jargu has served for 12 years since joining the Gambian Police Force in 2008.