Fallen DPS officers, firefighters honored, given tribute

Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero led yesterday the presentation of a memorial wreath to honor and pay tribute to fallen DPS officers and firefighters, along with those who were disabled or seriously injured in the line of duty.

At the National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony held at DPS, a tribute was also presented to three retired DPS officers who passed away: Nicolas Q. Muña, Jose C. Tudela, and Thomas M. Manglona.

Inos and Deleon Guerrero also led government officials and community leaders in unveiling the new DPS signage.

In his remarks, Inos said the ceremony is not one that should mark mourning but with inspiration and pride “for the work of all who have stood fast and strong in the line of fire.”

To the families, the governor said the Commonwealth will be forever be indebted to their loved ones’ commitment and service. “Not everything lasts forever, but I assure you, their memories will,” he said.

In his welcoming remarks, Deleon Guerrero said the ceremony is a tribute to law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty and to remember those who had served their time, since retired from service and have now been called to their eternal rest.

Deleon Guerrero apologized to DPS families for the department’s failure to complete a museum that he had promised last year. He assured the families, however, that it will be done this year.

Deleon Guerrero pledged a year ago to initiate and complete the renovations of two buildings at DPS as the CNMI Public Safety Museum.

“I claimed that the museum would be made open today. The results of our efforts have been disappointing as I have not met the goal, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” he said.

He disclosed that efforts to complete the museum have taken longer than expected because of many challenges, including design changes to the original plan and that the late chartering of a Public Safety Foundation.

“Internally in our department, we were faced with an insurmountable debt, vehicles and equipment were in significant state of disrepair, our facilities were dilapidated to a point of near condemnation,” he said.

Things are, however, turning around because of the perseverance and determination of many of the department’s personnel.

The changes to the original plan, he said, includes incorporating a 25-seat classroom as a law enforcement in-service training and driver’s education and testing center, the records and archives component and additions to the proposed memorial site to be built in front of the two buildings.

He announced that the in-service training and driver’s education center will also display the photos of all deceased officers—both while active and retired.

He said the archive and the records offices will be open by the end of next week.

The commissioner said new fiber optic cables connecting all criminal justice entities, from the department to the Office of the Attorney General to Corrections and the courts, will soon be made.

He said the full automation of the department’s entire records will soon become a reality. DPS is in the process of upgrading their current records management software.

With the help of the Inos administration, he said they are clearing their debts and they will be accessing funds to complete the renovation and expansion of the facilities to include the evidence and crime scene processing facilities, the police complaint room for patrol officers, and the rest of the administrative and general support service offices.

“We owe it to those whose names will soon be etched into the granite stone wall to do good. We owe it to them to do our very best and in the face of whatever comes our way,” the commissioner said.

In his closing remarks, Rep. Christopher D. Leon Guerrero said it is fitting to recognize and honor all who have chosen law enforcement as a career.

Leon Guerrero vowed that the Legislature is working to secure funding for the ongoing security initiatives, and an all-out effort to combat the growing influence of drugs.

The honored officers at the ceremony were Capts. Justino T. Arriola and Tommy Alexander; Sgt. Julian A. Manglona; Police Officers Abraham S. Quitugua, Erlinse C. Santos, Gilbert M. Taisacan, Wilgene T. Lieto, Joe Charfauros Jr.; Fire Fighters Esteban R. Nogis, Ernie T. Dela Cruz, and Joaquin Camacho; and resident director John T. Barcinas.

Officers disabled or seriously injured in the line of duty were Police Sgt. Antonio SN Borja, and Police Officers Marvin S. Camacho, Jose Cepeda, and Victor M. Hocog.

The Umang Glee Club sang the national and CNMI anthems.