Toutai ‘Ofanoa was awarded the Baton of Honour during a graduation passing out parade ceremony for Tonga Police Lola Koloamatangi Recruit Wing 44 on 18 May, at the Police Headquarters in Longolongo.

He was one of 29 young men and women who joined Tonga Police ranks.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said policing "is the toughest and most challenging occupation in the world."

“A lot is expected of you. You have a great responsibility on your young shoulders in taking the Tonga Police into the future. You have a great responsibility in upholding the rule of law without fear or favour, and you have a great responsibility in keeping our communities safe." He advised them to always do their duty in a professional and honest manner, as they fulfill their mission statement ‘To earn the trust and confidence of the people of Tonga through their service to the community.’

The Minister for Police Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu said police officers must be prepared to keep up with the changes in the world and meet real challenges.

He was concerned about the presence of drugs in communites and said it was important that the police work with the communities to stop the sales of drugs. "It is also important that we have a police service that the public can trust and I require you to act with integrity, professionalism and honesty at all times. Your integrity is not for sale.”

Naming a recruit wing patron, is a new concept for Tonga Police. This year a former Deputy Police Commander Lola Baker Koloamatangi is the first to act as a role model for young recruits and provide support to their training and future careers.