Former Deputy Police Commissioner (Community Policing) Taniela Faletau (58) was laid to rest today Monday, 16 November at Takaunove Cemetery in Nuku’alofa.

The retired police officer from Kolofo'ou, who served Tonga Police for more than 30-years, passed away suddenly, after collapsing on 10 November.

Taniela entered Tonga Police as Cadet Officer on August 1, 1982 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the South Pacific, majoring in Management and Politics. He was also trained at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Poirua, the FBI Academy and attended several Interpol General Assemblies in Europe.

He was promoted to Chief Inspector in 1984, Assistant Superintendent 1992, Chief Superintendent of Police in 1993 and Deputy Commissioner in 1998, before taking up voluntary retirement on March 1, 2013.

Durng his police serivce, Taniela had taken part in steering and implementing various reforms in the Tonga Police under the Tonga Police Development Program and acted in the Commissioner role several times since 2001.

He had also led the Tonga Police during some challenging times such as after the November 16, 2006, riots and during the transition period between appointments of Commissioners.

Taniela is survived by his wife 'Ana and four children. The funeral service was held at the FWC Centenary Church.