CNMI pays tribute to 14 DPS officers, firefighters

  The CNMI, Department of Public Safety, and the Commonwealth Ports Authority held a Peace Memorial Day ceremony yesterday to pay tribute to 14 DPS officers and firefighters who lost their lives or who were injured or disabled while in the line of duty.

The DPS Tactical Response Enforcement Team offered a 21-gun salute for the 14 officers after families and officers presented candles and wreaths at the DPS monument.

In his remarks, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said the community has been privileged to have enforcement officers who serve “proudly and bravely, even if it meant having risk as a constant companion.”

“This Peace Memorial Day, we reflect with humility on the lives of our comrades and salute their extraordinary sacrifice in the line of duty. To the families, the Commonwealth will not forget their service and we will remain forever grateful,” Inos said.

He said the tribute will ring hollow unless the people recommit themselves to do whatever they can to support the men and women who keep the society more lawful and lives more secure, to help them as enforcers, and to keep them from becoming victims.

“Every day that our officers put on the badge, bid their family goodbye, and walk out the door, they do so knowing that they might be called upon to step between good and evil, often at the risk of great personal cost,” Inos said.

In his welcoming remarks, acting DPS commissioner Ambrosio T. Ogumoro said the Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week ceremonies are reminders of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially acts of extreme violence and terrorism.

“Our law enforcement officers stand watch on the front lines and make our villages and islands safer. Every day you carry out your duties with courage and commitment and continue to put yourselves in harm’s way,” Ogumoro said.

The DPS “fallen comrades” include police captains Justino T. Arriola and Tommy Alexander, police officers Abraham S. Quitugua, Gilbert M. Taisacan, Wilgene T. Lieto, and Joe Charfauros, police sergeant Julian A. Manglona, resident director John T. Barcinas, and fire fighters Ernie T. Dela Cruz and Joaquin M. Camacho.

Those who were disabled or injured in the line of duty were police sergeantAntonio SN. Muna, and police officers Marvin S. Camacho, Jose Cepeda, and Victor M. Hocog.