Name: Chief Inspector Perkins C. Buckle
Position: Traffic Chief Inspector
Institution: LNP
Specialization: Traffic management
When Perkins C. Buckle joined the Liberian National Police(LNP) in 2006, little did he know that he would face some tough challenges in the field. At first, he was discouraged and wanted to quit to a different career, but after some time of medication and prayers, the young energetic Perkins decided to say and undergo the toughness.
He has two kids, but he is not married, he said. Anyway, that is not the issue. What matters is, he is a hard working officer who is serving his native home with pride and dignity. He does not have time to stay with his kids to play and talk, due to the level of work he does. Anytime he can be called upon when there are traffic congestion, he said. “I do not refuse a call. Sometime when I am with my children the call will come. I will not say no. That is one of the reasons I am in the force. I love it and must obey.”
He graduated from Elizabeth Crawford High school and did not waste time in seeking ways to control vehicle movement around the country. His training went well and became excited after graduation, in 2005; but the level of recognition was never accorded him during the regime of former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Now, the story has changed. He has gained some good level of recognition . “This George Weah regime, I am recognized. I like this field. When you do things and people appreciate you, you feel good,” Perkins said around Vamoma house in Sinkor.
Even to get him for the interview was not easy as every time he was called to move in to direct traffic. Nevertheless, he granted the interview.
Controlling too many officials with too many siren on their vehicles plying the streets are some of his challenges. These things affect the movement of traffic and especially, traffic control system.
“When you look at times, you see this other person with Siren. I think what the law says about siren, we need to abide by it. Only those the constitution recognizes should be the ones to carry,” he said. “Government needs to minimize this siren business.”
One of this bad times in the police was few years ago during the regime of madam Sirleaf around MTN head office in Sinkor when he was hit by a vehicle-Nissan Maxima. Why was he hit? He explained: “I asked the driver to leave the opposite lane and get into his rightful lane. But, he never did. Rather, the driver moved and hit me. He ran away. But someone came and put me in his car. We chased his car and got him to Cabral Estate,” he said.
Despite all this, he still loves his field. That is the profession he has so much fallen in love with that he does not see himself leaving anytime.
But rather, Perkins wants to grow in the police force because that is the field he desires. Not only that, but he has vast experience in it.
“I want to grow up and get promoted one day. I know one day, I will be promoted. I know the job now. I want to thank my bosses who are always there for me. I love them and base on my work, they will one day promote me so I can grow,” he said.
“I want to thank them because I am learning from them. I want to thank them for the level of support given to me. I did not know much when I joined newly, but now, I know of the traffic regulatory laws. When there is huge traffic, I know where to start from and to allow it to flow.
Perkins knows the job, but his kids hardly sit with him to talk. Only time will tell when he will sit to converse with his two kids. That is the personality of the week. It is his cup of Tea, which seems to taste good for now for him.
We are waiting to see when he will be promoted. Whether he will still show the sign of exuberance in the field.
Read next week who becomes our next personality of the week.
—