Tonga’s Deputy Commissioner of Community Policing Soakai Motu’apuaka (60) retired on 14 November, after 35-years of service.

Yesterday at a farewell event at the Police Headquarters in Longolongo hewas presented with a Long Service Certificate, and praised by both the Minister of Education and Training Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe’ulungaki and the Police Commissioner Grant O’Fee.

Soakai said it was an emotional moment. "It has been a life that has been everything to me in the past 35-years."

He reminded officers to be obedient, respectful and trustworthy and  to work hard, values which had proven the test of time in the many challenges he experienced during his contribution to the service.

Service

Soakai joined the Tonga Police on August 14, 1978 after serving in the United States Army with a diploma. He started as a corporal police officer before being promoted to Sergeant of Police in 1984.

Over the years, he became an Inspector of Police, Assistant Chief Inspector of Police, Chief Inspector, Assistant Superintendent and Assistant Police Commander, before his final promotion as the Deputy Commissioner of Community Policing this year.

He later trained in New Zealand and graduated as a police cadet from the New Zealand Police College in Poirua in 1994.

Prince Tu'ipelehake and Hon. Frederica Tuita-Filipe attended the farewell event yesterday along with many guests, including his family.