Uphold law in line of duty: Pokanis

WHAT makes this country great is the people who follow the laws and comply with administrative procedures, Correctional Service (CS) commissioner Stephen Pokanis says.
Pokanis made the remark when acknowledging retiring officers at a farewell parade at the Bomana Training College last Friday.
The four included assist commissioner for Southern region Henry Wavik MBE, assist commissioner for Highlands David Kanumbom, deputy commissioner Dennis Piandi and assist commissioner for New Guinea Islands Phillip Eka.
Pokanis urged CS personnel to follow the footsteps of the retiring officers in upholding and maintaining the laws in order to set a precedent for the department.
He commended the retiring officers for leading by example and following their principles despite of the challenges they faced.
“For these kinds of officers, I would like you to follow that kind of principle with me and if we are sacked or dismissed from this office, we maintain the law,” he said.
“It is good to be sacked for maintaining and upholding the law at all times.
“The shoes of those departing us now are too great for us (to fill) but as long as we can see their footprints we can follow their footsteps.”
Pokanis acknowledged the spouses of the retiring officers and said they too had played a part in their husbands’ careers.
“You should be proud of your husbands as we are proud of the service they’ve given to this country and the CS,” Pokanis said.
“You helped to make them become who they are in the CS.”