Walaget receives award for 41yrs of dedication

By PETER ESILA

CHIEF Sergeant Leo Walaget loves his job.
His father was a policeman and his daughter will become one soon.
Walaget was recognised for his services to police with the Distinguished Police Service Medal by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at Government House last week during presentation of the 2019 New Year’s honours.
He is the Mendi police station (Southern Highlands) commander and says being a police officer and public servant is about serving people.
“This police service is a kind of work where you work with the people and you love them, it is a matter of exchange, you get to know them and they know you and being part of the community because as policemen, we took an oath to protect the lives and properties of our people,” Walaget said.
He is from the Yangoru-Saussia, East Sepik, but has served Southern Highlands since he joined the force on June 6, 1978, as a 16-year-old. He married a Southern Highlander and they have five children – four daughters and a son.
“At that time I couldn’t shave but I was forced to shave because I wanted to join the police,” he said
“My father was a policeman in the New Guinea Islands so I followed my father’s footsteps, even my daughter is at Bomana Police College so it is a legacy.
“It was very exciting, challenging and we really had a lot of experience working with the patrol officers, with our kiaps back then.”
Daughters Elisha (second born) and Christine (third born) were there to witness their father’s proud moment last week.
“It gives me the greatest joy to witness this day because he has been a dedicated officer,” Elisha said.
“He has committed his life to serve even the most rural parts of the province like the Ialibu-Pangia electorate, even in Koroba Kopiago (when under Southern Highlands) and in those times we were there, the service did not go out to those areas, and he was there alone and now coming up to this day, it is a joy for us the family to see
“This really complements the services and dedication that he has given to the province even though he is from East Sepik. He regards himself as a Southern Highlander.”
Elisha is expecting to pass out this year.
Christine is at University of Papua New Guinea studying law.
Walaget said discipline and commitment by policemen and women in the force were very important.
“Way back in the ’70s and ’80s, the discipline was very high and people were very committed and we served with high dignity and commitment,” he said.
“As the force came into the 1900s and 2000 onwards, discipline lacked and there was no respect, there is always general breakdown in discipline.
“This is because over time the force has recruited some who are not genuine to become police officers and to this day, we have problem with violence, with policemen who lost their training code of ethics, or who are no longer abiding by the code of ethics.
“We have serious discipline issues because they forgot their training syllabus that was taught in the police college.
“I took pride as a policeman and I took my profession very seriously and I was committed on day one.
“I had one serious problem – I loved the police force – and I followed my father’s footsteps and I still have the love and desire to continue for the rest of my life.
“I love the people of Papua New Guinea and I love to serve them with dignity, honesty.
“I am the kind of person who likes to live and work with the people in the community.”
Walaget said every Papua New Guinean will just have to play his or her part in nation-building.
“In any field that you are in, the good Lord is watching.
“I want to encourage the upcoming one – both in the disciplined forces and also in other fields and public servants – I encourage you to continue to serve our people with love, dignity and pride, whatever the situation and challenges.
“That’s what matters in being a policeman, you work with the people whether you are recognised or not.”