Police remember the fallen in line of duty

The National National
Deputy Police Commissioner-Operations Anton Billie (left below), Police Commissioner David Manning and Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr were among other dignitaries during the Police Remembrance Day dawn service yesterday. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

BY JAMIE HARO
POLICE Commissioner David Manning says the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) must continue to maintain the tradition of remembering its members who have died in line of duty.
He said this yesterday following the Police Remembrance Day dawn service at the National Police Memorial Park at Bomana, National Capital District.
“This event holds a special significance for police throughout Australia, New Zealand, PNG, Solomon Islands and Samoa, it is a day to pause and honour the police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
He said it was the constabulary’s responsibility to remember police officers who had lost their lives during the last 12 months.
“Those who have departed have left behind their families, colleagues and friends,” he said.
“Policing is a demanding profession, we swore an oath to serve our people as we knew the risks and dangers that we’ll face along the way, as police officers are needed to be model citizens in serving our country.”
Manning urged active serving members of the RPNGC to consider being insured and to make wills as the dangerous nature of their job put them at risk outside their health.
“RPNGC members must make their wills while it is not a custom, it is a necessity going forward to provide security for our spouses and dependents, as our job is never off duty, we are dedicated public servants sworn to protect and serve the public 24 hours and seven days a week, it is a risky profession,” he said.
A laying of wreaths was done after the service by Manning, Minister of Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, Correctional Services Commissioner Stephen Pokanis, and High Commissioners of New Zealand and Solomon Islands and Australian Deputy High Commissioner including members of RPNGC and the Australian Federal Police.
The RPNGC also commemorated their fallen comrades late Snr Constable Tony Mark who was killed in Wewak on Jan 15 and late First Constable Neil Maino who died with Deputy Prime Minister Late Sam Basil along the Bulolo Highway on May 11 this year.