Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday for former Police Chief Lawrence A. Griffith, Sr. The services will be preceded by a public viewing at the VIPD Richard N. Callwood Command on Friday evening.
Griffith died on March 13 at the age of 76.
In a long career with the police department, Griffith rose through the ranks of the police force holding positions which include: Training instructor, chief of detectives, chief of police and deputy commissioner.
He is remembered as a well-known and well-liked officer who went simply by the name, “Griffith.” His eulogy described him as a “cop’s cop.” Griffith retired having served 25 years with the V.I. Police Department and began a second career as a court security officer charged with protecting the grounds of the Ron de Lugo federal building, a position he held for a number of years until declining health forced a second retirement.
Griffith’s survivors include a son, Dwight, also a member of the Virgin Islands Police Department who was among officers promoted to the rank of sergeant earlier this week. Among his other survivors: his wife Janet Newton Griffith, five sons, two daughters, six sisters, three brothers and a host of other family members and close friends.
Larry was my friend from the time I was a young boy. He was the nicest, most honorable police officer. He was always someone the public could turn to, for help or advice, or just a shoulder to lean on. My deepest condolences to Dwight, Janet and the rest of his family.
May He Rest In Peace.
Patrick Deery
He was Professional and loved his work…sleep well!
I worked in the VIPD Investigation Bureau/Identification Unit
when “Griff” was a detective. He was easy to like and easier to work with. He was among the few who were the glue that made the folks back then a team. His passing saddens me.
Rest in comfort and peace, brother, you have earned it!
John J. Barone
rest easy God brother end of watch