By Linny Folau.

King Tupou VI awarded Service Medals to 248 Tonga Police recipients at the Police College parade ground, Longolongo on June 7. Five police officers were distinguished with a Commissioner's Gold Merit Award recognizing their acts of bravery.

The first of its kind, the presentation awarded three separate service medals for Long Service and Good Conduct, Overseas Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Other awards included the Tonga police Civilian Long Service Award and the Commissioner's Merit Award.

Minister for Police, Hon Mateni Tapueluelu said these service medals recognized the selfless service of police officers.

He said the most paramount responsibility of government is the protection and safety of its citizens and Tonga Police is our primary agency serving to ensure public safety.

He thanked all present to show support to the dedicated individual efforts and collective achievements of these officers, while congratulating recipients to march on with courage in their service to King and country.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell was also proud of the 248 recipients awarded with highly esteem medals for their sacrifice and service to their king, country and people. 

He said police officers are ordinary people tasked to perform extraordinary deeds day after day as they perform their duty with courage, self-sacrifice and honour.  

“The world is getting smaller and we must remain alert to the threat to our security and constantly seek continuous improvements to meet the challenges at our doorstep. We must be fit and be prepared at all times,” he said.

“Although the world is changing our role has not and forever remain that we protect our people, keep the peace and uphold the rule of law with utmost integrity, compassion, courage, discretion and common sense. Tongan Police values at all times is that we must be honest, uphold the rule of law, loyal to our King, nation and the people,” said the Commissioner.

Significance

The medals carry the effigy of the late King Siaosi Tupou I.

The Long Service and Good Conduct medals were awarded to recipients after 18-years of service (including retired officers).

A Meritorious Service medal recognized outstanding service.

The Overseas Service Medal recognized the 121 Tonga Police officers who had served in the Solomon Islands under the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI), including the International Peace Monitoring Team since 2001.

Heroes

A Commissioner's Merit Award recognizing police members for acts of bravery or distinguised service were awarded in gold, silver and bronze medals.

The notable five gold recipients included A/Inspector Malolo Vi for his courage and leadership demonstrated in the ongoing illicit drugs enforcement operation.

Sergeant Vili Semisi Motu'apuaka for his courage in a search and rescue operation in 2016, when recovering a body from a dangerous reef.

A/Sergeant 'Apisai Fihaki was awarded for his courage during Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018, while responding to call for help from a family in Holonga whose house was badly damaged. While clearing the road at Ha'ateiho, he was injured when a tree branch fell and crushed him.

Constable Tafokitau 'Ahokava was awarded for his courage when responding to a violent domestic dispute. When locating the offender, he was attacked with a machete causing serious head injury, that resulted in his hospitalization.

Constable Feifononga Mafi showed courage during a search and rescue operation, when he swam out and saved a 17-year-old boy who had drifted kilometres from a beach area at Fua'amotu, last year.

The Police Commissioner also received the last medal of the presentation.

Tonga Police Medals were introduced in the  Tonga Police Act 2010.

New Zealand Police Inspector John Wills was engaged to produce the medals, awarded for the first time this year.

Attending the event were Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Lord Tuita and many guests.