This week declared Police Week

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - "Together we make a difference."  That's the theme for this year's Police Week festivities. During this morning's proclamation signing, the department recognized the civilian of the year, Analyn Akigami, a criminalist in the Forensic Division, Police Officer of the year POIII Benjamin J. Palomo, Civilian Volunteer Police Reserve David S.N. Sablan and supervisor of the year POIII Barry Flores and Manager of the Year Sergeant Major John Celis.  Both Flores and Celis are humbled with the recognition.  Flores has been with GPD for 19 years and says he's always wanted to be a police officer.

Flores said, "The officers in the Guam Police Department are committed to keeping the island safe. We're here today. We were here yesterday and we will be here tomorrow." Celis added, "I became pretty much humbled, I wasn't expecting it - it's just routine for me to work hard. It's just the gratification of ensuring that we keep the island citizens safe and I think most of us have been instrumental in actually doing that."

On Wednesday a peace officer memorial will be held at the Hagatna Precinct Command followed by an awards ceremony on Thursday and a static display and police demonstration on Friday.  Airport Police Officer of the Year Noel Dela Cruz and Civilian of the Year Mary Terlaje were also recognized during today's ceremony that coincides with Click It Or Ticket Month.