Three longest serving SSD policemen call it a day

By SHEILA LASIBORI
MANY Parliamentarians including Sir Michael Somare and the former governor-generals will remember three police officers who put their lives on the line when they served as close protection officers.
The Special Services Division (SSD) which coordinates the Mobile Squad (MS) and National Security Unit (NSU) last Friday held a parade in honour of three former members, ex-senior Constables Allan Tolire and Wesley Niut from East New Britain province and Donald Pangai from Oro province.
Organiser Senior Insp Nelson Chanei said event was the first of its kind was held to properly farewell the distinguished members who have served between 25 and 38 years.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki, who presented the retirees their pension books, described them as having ‘yellow bone’ signifying their undivided loyalty and service to the Police Force and especially the SSD in their respective duties.
“It’s important to build in procedures to say good bye to our members,” Mr Baki said.
Mr Tolire, who joined the Police Force in 1969, said through experience for police officers to properly leave service, they should have patience and follow orders of those in command.
While serving as close protection officer attached with the NSU, he worked with former prime ministers Paias Wingti and Sir Julius Chan, and Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi among others.
Mr Niut, who joined the RPNGC in 1972, expressed thanks to the RPNGC to have looked after him when he left his family to join the force.
He worked closely with former governor-generals, the late Sir Tore Lokoloko (1981) and Sir Kingsford Dibela (1982) among others.
Mr Pangai, who joined the force in 1969, worked with former deputy prime ministers like Akoka Doi and Ted Diro.