Cops share fond memories of Manglona

Police officers yesterday shared fond memories of Staff Sgt. Julian Manglona, who collapsed and died while training at Fort Hood, Texas, in preparation for his deployment to Kuwait.

In a press conference at the Department of Public Safety’s commissioner’s office, DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro said they lost “a dear friend, a dear family member, and a dear colleague.”

“The community for both Tinian and Saipan has lost a valuable public servant,” Ogumoro added, pointing out that Manglona served DPS for over 17 years.

Police Officer 2 Vincent Mareham said he used to work under Manglona at the juvenile investigation section of the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau. “I worked with the guy. He’s a down-to-earth supervisor. He cares about his subordinates. Overall, he was a funny guy. I’ll miss him,” Mareham said.

Police Officer 1 Kelly Camacho said Manglona was a very good leader to his subordinates.

Camacho said that, whether at DPS or the Army Reserve, Manglona was always motivated to work.

“I can’t believe he left us early. We remember him and pray for him,” Camacho said.

Although they both worked at CIB, Police Officer 2 Andrea Ozawa said her fond memories of Manglona was him as a runner. She said they used to run to Mt. Tapochau, Marpi, As Teo, and other places.

Ozawa said Manglona was one of the few people who would go with her to the hill of Chalan Galaide.

“He was so crazy—he was carrying a huge backpack and I would turn around and ask him, ‘Julian, why you are carrying that and how much are you carrying?’”

Ozawa said Manglona had told her that while in the Army they would carry 70 pounds.

Because of that, she said, she was quite surprised that Manglona collapsed on a 6-mile run during training.

“I was really hoping that he would be with us next year and join us during the island relay in December,” Ozawa said.

She added she will surely miss Manglona and hopes they will be able to do something this year at DPS in memory of him.

Police Officer 1 Patrick Maanao and Manglona met in 1997 on Tinian. From that year, the two developed a close friendship.

When Manglona was transferred to Saipan DPS, he became Maanao’s supervisor at the juvenile investigation unit.

“I’ve also worked with Julian in the Army Reserve Unit. In both the Army and DPS, he displayed great leadership,” Maanao said.

“He will be missed by our department. He has developed a lot of friends in and out in the office as well. And I was hoping as Detective Ozawa said he will join us again in the relay,” said Maanao.

Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar said that when Manglona reported to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, he took over the general crimes unit.

“He did a lot to have the guys catch up with their cases. Little did I know that we’re of the same age and same rank. That didn’t distract him from being a good leader,” Rangamar said.

Manglona started in 1991 as a police cadet. He graduated during the 11th cycle police academy in 1992.

He then worked with Tinian DPS for many years. In 2006 he was transferred to Saipan DPS where he served under the patrol section and became a member of the dive rescue team. He was then assigned at CIB, which is now called Criminal Investigation Division.

Ogumoro said funeral arrangements are still underway and that Manglona will be provided full police honor upon his arrival.

DPS will provide police escorts, while the Army will render a 21-gun salute.