By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

ACTING Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez yesterday commended the men and women of the Department of Public Safety for rising to, and meeting the challenges despite the difficulties DPS is facing.
Villagomez, in his Peace Officers Memorial Day address, also paid tribute to officers who have died in the line of duty as he thanked DPS personnel and police officers for continuing to serve the community despite overtime reductions and other austerity measures.
Villagomez said the community looks up to an officer who upholds the law and possesses strong mental aptitude, has a high level of physical fitness and demonstrates solid moral character.
“In a sense, police officers set the standard for real life heroes, but as we celebrate this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we are reminded that although police officers are heroes, they are also only human,” Villagomez said at the DPS headquarters in Susupe.
He added that to be successful an officer must be provided appropriate and timely training, reliable equipment and all the tools of the trade.
“There must be equally capable leadership and a commitment to the mission,” he said. “The governor and I know that these economic hard times have been difficult for many of you. To live within our means and not overspend our budget, your overtime has been reduced; and to keep services up, you have had to be flexible in taking on duties and assignments.”
According to Villagomez, “These changes and more have asked more of you than perhaps has been ever been asked before of this force, and I am proud to say that despite the difficulty of the mission, this department has risen to meet that challenge.”
Rest assured, he added, “that your service is not taken lightly. Indeed, without you, we would have chaos in our streets. Extra ordinary challenges call for extra ordinary sacrifice. Our community thanks you for meeting that challenge.”
A Mass was celebrated at St. Jude church in Koblerville in honor of the fallen Police Capt. Justino T. Arriola, Police Officers Abraham S. Quitugua and Gilbert M. Taisacan as well as Police Officer Marvin Camacho who was disabled in the line of duty.
Captain Arriola died on Feb. 14, 1982; Quitugua on Nov. 29, 1983; and Taisacan on Aug. 20, 1995.
A 21-gun salute was fired in honor of these officers.
The department is also observing CNMI Police Week and, in line with this celebration, several activities will be held, including a shooting competition, a golf tournament, a fishing derby and an open house at the Garapan Fire Station.
Police Capt. Pedro A. Leon Guerrero said the shooting competition is open to all law enforcement personnel and will start at 8 a.m. today.
He said the shooting competition, which has been held annually for over 10 years now, will be held at the shooting range in Marpi.