Taimanao said firefighters and law enforcers are “assets” of the community as he urged law enforcement and public safety personnel to continue serving the people.
“I have finished my marathon…I now pass on [the challenge] to other runners,” Taimanao said in his brief statement.
Rangamar, for his part, read a poem describing the life of an officer.
“When you are scared, you call us. When we are scared, we carry on,” he said.
While the community is asleep, he added, “we are out there.”
“When you are sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, or celebrating Christmas, we are out there. When it’s raining and cold, and you’re glad to be in your home with your family, we are out there. When it’s your children’s birthday, we are out there,” Rangamar said.
He urged his colleagues to be tough and prepare to become leaders one day.
DPS Deputy Commissioner Ambrosio Ogumoro represented Commissioner Santiago Tudela in honoring Taimanao and Rangamar by awarding them plaques of recognition.
Ogumoro reminded DPS personnel to wear their uniforms “with pride,” and “to do the right thing.”
DPS spokesman Sgt. Thomas A. Blas Jr. said as fire chief, Taimanao handled federally funded programs.
Rangamar retired as chief of the patrol division. He previously headed the department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Blas said Rangamar is an all-around officer who has handled different positions.
In a statement, DPS said Taimanao and Rangamar’s “professional, personal accomplishments and contributions in the CNMI’s finest Department of Public Safety will not go unnoticed.”
“What they have done for the department till their retirement is a marvelous achievement, all the while maintaining a home and raising a family,” DPS said.
“Their determination to reach their goal has been admirable. I’m sure their families, who have been their chief support, must be very proud of them. They are good role models,” Blas said.
He thanked the children and spouses of Taimanao and Rangamar “for the way you supported our brothers over the 20-some years in their pursuit of their careers.”
“We do understand, the long hours they have all worked have been a strain on their families, and your support has been outstanding. Their work has been an essential part of our success as a department. Although we will all miss our brothers, they have earned this opportunity (retirement) and the opportunity to enjoy more time with their family. We wish the two of you all the best and Godspeed in your future endeavors,” Blas said.
