CLEMENT Bermudes, a retired U.S. Army lt. colonel, will be appointed as the Department of Public Safety’s new commissioner, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios told reporters on Friday.
“Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and I met with Mr. Bermudes, and he will be submitting his documents and nomination to the Senate,” Palacios added.
“We…looked into Mr. Bermudes’s background and we evaluated other candidates, but I think he has the persona and patience to work with some of the issues in the department. DPS has for the past decade had its challenges, some internal, some external. It will be good to bring in a new face. Mr. Bermudes has the experience, credentials and personality that are necessary to put the department back together.”
Bermudes is a former chair of Northern Marianas College’s criminal justice department who conducted classes for police, corrections and customs cadets.
He was recently named NMC’s dean of academics programs and services.
“As you know there are still rumblings from the community about the…department, and rightly so because we hold the department to one of the highest standards because they deal with people’s lives and the community’s safety,” the governor said. “Some people are wondering why it’s taking longer to appoint someone, but we needed to take our time…I think a lot of people will be confident with his appointment,” referring to Bermudes.
As for appointing a new commissioner for the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the governor said they are still reviewing potential nominees.
“We have several names,” he added.
Fire Chief Juan Pua is the acting DFEMS commissioner, Variety learned.
Recently, the Palacios-Apatang administration appointed former Rep. Franklin Babauta as special assistant for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The appointment does not require the Senate’s approval.
Palacios also said that his administration is now considering possible appointees to government boards and commissions.
Clement Bermudes, the then-chair of Northern Marianas College’s criminal justice department, delivers his remarks at the 9th Cycle Customs and Biosecurity Academy graduation ceremony on July 25, 2022 at Saipan World Resort.
