Torres leads tribute to fallen officers, firefighters, conservation officer

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, second left, and Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog, right, lead the presentation of a memorial wreath at the Department of Public Safety’s monument in Susupe during yesterday’s National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony. Also in the photo are Saipan Mayor David Apatang, left, and DPS Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero. (Ferdie De La Torre

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero, and Saipan Mayor David Apatang yesterday led the presentation of a memorial wreath at the DPS monument in Susupe to honor and pay tribute to 14 fallen DPS officers, firefighters, and a conservation officer along with four police officers who were disabled or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Officers and families presented candles at the DPS monument located in front of Jose M. Sablan Building to pay tribute and honor 14 “fallen comrades” during the National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony.

The DPS Special Enforcement Action Section presented a 21-gun salute.

Torres paid tribute for the memory to the “fallen comrades.” He also welcomed police cadets, fire cadets, and Commonwealth Ports Authority cadets.

Torres urged law enforcers and firefighters to “keep up the good work” and continue serving the community.

Guerrero called on all residents to remember the officers who sacrificed their lives not only on this Law Enforcement Memorial Day, but each and every day.

“Today, we remember those special officers whose sacrifice has been etched in the souls and minds of the survivors and the officers who cared for them,” Guerrero said.

The commissioner also noted that in the past few months, DPS has been the focus of many accusations and investigations that the department often perceives these as being unfair and unfounded.

“We have found it necessary to defend ourselves from broad-based charges of racism, bias, and unfair enforcement of the laws we have sworn to uphold,” he said.

Guerrero said law enforcement officers are constantly scrutinized.

“Some of the media and certain anti-law enforcement organizations’ scrutiny is often misguided or simply reflective of bias against peace officers and what we represent,” he said.

The commissioner said he is confident that despite the many questions about how law enforcers perform professional duties, the majority of people truly believe and support them.

The honored officers 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., Diwain Stephen; firefighters Esteban R. Nogis, Ernie T. Dela Cruz, Joaquin Camacho, and Raymond Villagomez; resident director John T. Barcinas; and conservation officer Jesus A. Omar.

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.

Doug Tudor played Taps. Police Officer Patrick Arriola and Alina Cabrera served as master and mistress of ceremony respectively. Police Officer Jhaneeka Atalig made the closing remarks.