Law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Public Safety divisions launched National Police Week yesterday with the Special Blue Mass Service at the Sacred Heart Church.
The morning service starts National Police Week, recognizing the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line daily to protect communities, especially the two fallen police officers, Detective Lieutenant Towai and Officer Decherong.
In an uplifting message, Father Rusk Saburo of the Sacred Heart Church said, “We gather in solidarity with heavy hearts to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we offer our prayers and gratitude to one another as we dedicate our lives for the safety and security of our nation. We lift each other and our families in prayer for strength, wisdom, and courage as we carry out our duties with honor and integrity.”
In the special mass program, 36 members of law enforcement that have passed away were recognized.
The National Police Week was declared last Friday, May 12, by Presidential Proclamation No. 23-344, setting aside the week of May 14 – 19, 2023, as the “National Police Week.”
The purpose of the proclamation was to have this whole week to “honor and pledge support for the work they (police) do to keep us safe in our family, homes, and property.”
The proclamation states, “National Police Week … provides us citizens an opportunity to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty” to safeguard our communities and maintain public peace.
“The peace and safety we enjoy come at the cost and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers, and as a nation, we must come together to recognize and honor the work of these brave and dedicated men and women…It is important for all Palauan citizens and residents to understand and appreciate the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of law enforcement officers and do their part to support their efforts to serve the people of the Republic of Palau.”
In addition to the officers, the Blue Mass Service was also attended by Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau-Senior, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, House Speaker Sabino Anastacio, Delegate Tellei, Delegate Soalablai, Deleage Arurang, Delegate Umetaro, Koror State DCLE Director Jennifer Olegeriil, Mindzenty High School Principal Allan Marbou, Mindzenty High School Students, Maris Stella Principal Jose Ise, teachers and staff from Maris Stella School, and families of Detective Willay-Mays Towaii and Police Officer Earlee Decherong. (By: L.N. Reklai)