Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos said everyone should pay tribute to the police officers on island for their extraordinary service to the community.
The police offers who died in service were Cpt. Justino T. Arriola in 1982, Police Officer Abraham S. Quitugua in 1983, Police Officer Erlise C. Santos in 1990, Police Officer Gilbert M. Taisacan in 1995, Capt. Tommy Alexander and Police Officer Wilgene T. Lieto both in 2005, Sgt. Julian A. Manglona in 2008, and Resident Director John T. Barcinas in 2009.
Those who were disabled in the line of duty were Police Sergeant Antonio SN. Muna in 1995, Police Officer Marvin S. Camacho in 1996, Police Officer Jose Cepeda in 1997 and Police Officer Victor M. Hocog in 2006.
“It’s a good thing that their doing this event every year, that way we get to remember the memories of our brother,” said Amy Quitugua, the youngest brother of Police Officer Abraham Quitugua.
A 21-gun salute, wreath, and lit candles were offered in memory of these police officers.
Speaker Eli Cabrera, R-Saipan, said: “I am proud of them [DPS]. We should thank these people because they are patrolling the area while we are sleeping; it’s a job that they should be careful at. I thank them for all their hard work and for their sleepless nights.”
DPS Commissioner Ramon Mafnas encouraged “all law enforcement officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, loyalty and dedication to the trust and confidence placed upon all of us by the people of our commonwealth.”
The Peace Officers Memorial Day is celebrated every 15th of May as mandated by a law signed by President John F. Kennedy on Oct. 1, 1962.
The annual event pays tribute to local officers who were killed or disabled in line of duty. The law also directs U.S. government officials to display the national flag at half-staff on all government buildings and invite government officials and the community to join the ceremony and activities for the event.
