THE Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations on Thursday held a public hearing on the nomination of acting Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement Bermudes, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.
Bermudes concluded his testimony by saying: “Let’s START.”
START, he added, is an acronym for Service, Trust, Accountability, Respect and Transparency.
The former Northern Marianas College dean of academic programs also extended his gratitude to his fellow veterans, his brothers and sisters in the military and DPS as well as his parents who taught and demonstrated to him and his siblings at an early age that “wrong is never right,” and instilled in him the value of hard work, integrity, education that’s beyond high school, and service to the people which is the most honorable role he can do in society.
Bermudes said he is honored to appear before the Senate committee because of the confidence of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang.
Bermudes said he can help the new administration rebuild trust in the Commonwealth.
“I am fully honored to return to the department where I actually started my public service 30 years ago,” he added.
Bermudes said it was reassuring to see familiar faces in the department, adding that he was also encouraged by the younger generation of police officers and civilian employees.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and an entire community to recover from typhoons. Therefore, the department cannot and I will not do it alone. We need the support and partnership of both local and federal agencies. We have a unifying goal to enforce the laws and regulations of our Commonwealth and I have pledged my full cooperation and that of the department to assist other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
“Our people deserve better and this is what I commit to our people from this day forward,” he added.
In an interview, Bermudes said he is grateful to those who expressed support for his nomination during the public hearing.
He also noted the presence of police officers, including those who worked with him in the past. “I’m blessed to have them here,” he added.
Acting Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement Bermudes, fourth right, poses for a photo with Northern Marianas College Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, center, family and friends after a public hearing in the Senate chamber on Thursday.
