July is Parks and Recreation Month, and every week, Guam’s Department of Parks & Recreation is highlighting a different division that helps keep our island safe, active, and beautiful. The first week? The officers of Park Police.

They’re the silent sentinels of our island’s public spaces. But for the first week of Parks and Recreation Month, Park Police officers and their mascot, Chaise, made some joyful noise greeting afternoon commuters in Hagatna with signs, smiles, and a heartfelt reminder: Drive Safe. Arrive Alive.

Park Police Chief Joey Terlaje on Community Connection saying the week wasn’t about enforcement. It was about engagement, adding they wanted people to see us not just as police—but as protectors, mentors, and neighbors.

They’ve come a long way. Once a unit in need of rebuilding, Park Police have grown stronger, more visible, and more connected to the people they serve.  As part of Parks and Recreation Month the division used the first week to connect with the community.

During their compassion in action outreach at the Angel Santos Memorial Park, officers spent the afternoon passing out pizza and hot dogs to those in need, feeding the hungry and showing that service extends far beyond citations and patrol, taking time to sit down and listen, learn, and uplift.

DPR director Angel Sablan said, "The Territorial Park Police is a very important part of DPR, and I just wanted to come out here and show them that we are in full support of them and thank them for all the good work they've done and to relay to them the many good words and thoughts from the public and how they now see our Park Police going around being very visible, they're much safer in our parks, and I wanted to relay my thanks to them."

The week culminated with a sunset inspection and award ceremony for not just the officers and reservists but also their family - the inspection, an honored tradition of discipline, respect, and reflection on the duties they carry every day. It was a week of outreach that ended with pride.

Chief Terlaje addressed the officers, saying, "I could have done this alone. The deputy and director couldn't have done it alone. In a short period of time, we have accomplished a lot. We've met the expectations of our community and what they want from us. We moved faster than some people expected. I hear positive feedback from the community."

From educating the community with static displays to recognizing the commitment of their team in an awards ceremony—this was a week of celebration and purpose. Chief Terlaje reminding the officers that wearing this badge is about more than enforcement—it’s about earning the community’s respect, every single day.

Rebuilt. Recharged. Reinvested in community. Guam’s Park Police are a testament to what growth looks like—and who it serves. A force that rarely seeks the spotlight—this week, they showed exactly why they deserve it.

From protecting our people to preserving our parks, Guam’s Park Police remind us that service isn't just about presence—it's about purpose.