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Lawmen honor fallen comrades
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Posted on May 16 2005
The CNMI’s law enforcers began the celebration of Police Week yesterday by recalling the contributions of their comrades who had died or were seriously injured in the line of duty.
Lawmen from the Department of Public Safety, Division of Customs, and Commonwealth Ports Authority Police trooped to the San Jose Church yesterday afternoon for a Mass in their honor, as well as the CNMI soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq and the Middle East.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta led government officials who attended the Mass, which was celebrated by Catholic priest Dondon Igrobay. Department of Public Safety commissioner Santiago Tudela, Customs director Jay Santos, CNMI chief prosecutor Jeffrey Moots and Attorney General’s Office civil division chief James Livingstone also joined the gathering.
The governor signed a proclamation last week declaring May 8-15 as the CNMI’s Police Week. DPS spokesman Eric David said the weeklong celebration coincides with its national counterpart honoring men in uniform.
The lawmen paid tribute to their fallen comrades—Gilbert Taisacan, Abraham Quitugua, and Justino Arriola—who were shot when they responded to separate incidents in the past years. Marvin Cepeda lost a leg, while Jess Cepeda sustained serious head injury, when both of them heeded the call of duty.
Lawmen had snacks and refreshments after attending yesterday’s Mass.
