Community urged to honor NMI’s public safety officers
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente urged the community to honor the men and women of the Public Safety Department as they put their lives on the line to effectively carry out law enforcement activities.
During Friday’s ceremony at the Department of Public Safety, Benavente led members of the CNMI government and the community in paying homage to law enforcement officers who gave their lives so that the CNMI may live in safety.
“We honor them not because of how they died, but because of how they lived. Everyday they put on a badge that symbolized the commitment they made to serve and protect the citizens of the Commonwealth. In fulfilling that commitment, they gave their all for us,” said the Lt. Gov.
He said that no speech, no flag and no ceremony could bring back police officers who served with their life to see the CNMI safe and in peace.
“So let us honor the brave men who have made the ultimate sacrifice and renew our commitment to the men and women who still serve us every day, that we will do everything we can to prevent adding another name to the list of the fallen. Thank you,” Benavente said.
The Peace Officers Candle Light Vigil and Peace Officers Memorial Service was held as part of National Police Week.
Officers killed in the line of duty were Capt. Justino T. Arriola, Police Officer III Abraham S. Quitugua, and Police Officer II Gilbert M. Taisacan. Officers injured were Officer Marvin S. Camacho, Sgt. Antonio S. Borja, and Officer Jose B. Cepeda.
The event was also dedicated to former officer I-Chih Eddie L. Chen, who served the CNMI community from Sept. 25, 1995 to Dec. 23, 1999. Chen and seven other U.S. soldiers were killed by hostile fire in Sadr City in Baghdad last April 4.
