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Tribute for fallen officers, firefighters, conservation officer
Ribbon cutting also held for newly renovated patrol office
Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero, and acting director of police Pedro A. Leon Guerrero led Friday the presentation of a memorial wreath to honor and pay tribute to fallen DPS officers, firefighters, and a conservation officer along with those who were disabled or seriously injured in the line of duty.
At the National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony held at Jose M. Sablan Building in Susupe, officers and family members presented candles at the DPS monument to pay tribute and honor 14 “fallen comrades.”
Korean Association of Saipan secretary Ho Joon Joo presents a $1,000 donation to Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero for the DPS Foundation during Friday’s National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at DPS main complex in Susupe. (Ferdie de la Torre)
Members of the Department of Public Safety’s Special Enforcement Action Section render a 21-gun salute during Friday’s National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at DPS main complex in Susupe. (Ferdie de la Torre)
Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero, left, acting director of police Pedro A. Leon Guerrero, center, and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres present a memorial wreath during Friday’s National Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at DPS main complex in Susupe. (Ferdie de la Torre)
Torres, Deleon Guerrero, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, and Capital Improvement Projects coordinator Vicky Villagomez also led government officials and community leaders in a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated DPS main building complex.
In his remarks, Torres said he has had the great privilege of working with officers of the CNMI force and that in them he witnessed the true strength required to seek peace.
“The courage to put oneself in harm’s way, the selflessness to put the public’s interest ahead of their own, and the enduring fortitude that has them striving for peace in our islands, even in the dead of night,” Torres said.
Torres said there is no greater testament to these values than the officers who are being honored and their memories “are the greatest monuments of time.”
“No words. No remarks, and no amount of gratitude can ever repay them for giving everything God has bestowed upon them in the name of peace,” he said.
In his remarks, DPS Commissioner Deleon Guerrero provided an update on the ongoing CNMI Public Safety Museum project.
The original plan to complete the project was 2014.
Deleon Guerrero said they are hoping to establish a committee for the museum by June this year, with the project’s target opening date this August.
The commissioner also thanked the governor’s office and CIP in ensuring the completion of the new public safety complex in Susupe.
The honored officers at the ceremony were Capts. Justino T. Arriola and Tommy Alexander; Sgt. Julian A. Manglona; police officers Abraham S. Quitugua, Joaquin T. Mettao, Erlinse C. Santos, Gilbert M. Taisacan, Wilgene T. Lieto, Joe Charfauros Jr.; fire fighters Esteban R. Nogis, Ernie T. Dela Cruz, and Joaquin Camacho; 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.
The DPS Blues sang the national and CNMI anthems. Doug Tudor played Taps, while the DPS Special Enforcement Action Section presented a 21-gun salute. Police officer 1 Patrick Arriola served as chairman of this year’s Public Safety Awareness Month. Alina Cabrera served as mistress of ceremony.
The Korean Association of Saipan, through its secretary Ho Joon Joo, donated $1,000 to the DPS Foundation to show the group’s support for DPS’ services.
