DPS honors past, present law enforcers

As part of National Police Week, the Department of Public Safety paid homage to officers who lost their lives or where severely injured while serving in the line of duty, as well as officers who are currently serving the community.

In a Peace Officers Candle Light Vigil and Peace Officers Memorial Service held Friday, community leaders and supporters joined DPS employees and families of fallen and injured officers in the memorial service at the Fallen Officers Monument at the DPS headquarters’ parking lot in Susupe.

Led by commissioner Edward Camacho, everyone reflected on the officers’ commitment to provide and promote safety in the CNMI, as well as the support and understanding they get from their families.

“[Because] of the nature of our profession, our family members suffer from worry [and] wonder, if we are OK or not, especially when they hear the sirens from a distance,” the commissioner said. “[Because] of the nature of our jobs, I know that you as officers also suffer lots of sacrifices. I beg all of you to spend more time with your loved ones…because life is short. Our officers who have gone on…bless their souls and bless their families who are now left behind to endure all the pain.”

The ceremony also featured presentations of resolutions commending the department and its employees for their service.

A presentation of a wreath, flowers, and candles, as well as a 21-gun salute, was also dedicated to the fallen and injured officers. The candles, flowers, and wreath were placed in front of the monument.

The ceremony also included a Roll Call of Heroes, where all officers who served between 1945 and the present were recognized.

The commissioner also recognized several officers who were promoted to higher ranks.

On Thursday, the DPS led supporters from the community and families of the fallen and injured officers in a vigil that featured a march beginning at the Mount Carmel Cathedral and ending at the Fallen Officers Monument.

Like the memorial service, everyone in attendance paid tribute to the fallen and injured officers.

Blue lights of police vehicles were turned on followed by sirens in honor of the officers.

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 when their units were attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.