Colonel Timoci Lesi Natuva challenged members of the Fiji Police Force to be passionate about their work because it is indeed an honorable and dignified one.
The Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities was chief guest at the Police Remembrance Day held at the Ready Action Unit in Nasinu today.
He added that police officers’ work these days was becoming more demanding, more complex and diverse because emphasis has shifted from its traditional role of preventing and investigating crime to a more proactive role.
“We are gathered here to remember those officers who passed on while sacrificing their lives to do the good course of protecting,” Col Natuva said.
“The Government places great emphasis on the People’s Charter and Fiji Police must assist Government in ensuring that people stay in a safe place and to create a good environment so that we can promote healthy living and investor confidence.”
Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Ioane Naivalurua, in his address to senior officers throughout Fiji, said that police work was all about service.
“When we celebrate today’s event, we remember the good work done by them and we should not forget that. Today we should also honour ourselves and our families for the commitment they have shown in supporting us in our work,” Brigadier-General Naivalurua said.
“My key message this morning is the heart to serve as service is not an easy thing. It is about giving your all, it is about giving your life, giving your time and your service. We will look after the people of Fiji and keep them safe.”
Brigadier-General Naivalurua is hopeful officers will end today’s activities accepting the fact that they have a huge obligation ahead and in the course of duty, they will remain committed so Fiji will have a selfless heart serving the country by loyal, vigilant and offficers committed to the call of duty.
Twenty police officers – 15 regular force and five members of Special Constabulary- died while in service in the past 12 months.
Families of the officers and invited guests were also in attendance at the event.