When Constable Tinai Eteuati was named the Top Student of the 2024 cohort of new police recruits, his heart longed for just one individual in the audience, his father, Sala Eteuati Pasia. 

Sadly, his father was in New Zealand and could not be there for this pivotal moment in his son's life. 

Constable Eteuati shared with the Samoa Observer his father's heartfelt desire to witness this milestone, a sentiment that moved him deeply, struggling to contain his emotions as he spoke of his father and the dream they both cherished.

"This had been a long dream of my father," he confessed, his words carrying the weight of familial legacy and shared ambition.

As the eldest son in a family of three brothers, Constable Eteuati bore the weight of his father's aspirations, which included seeing one of his sons don the uniform of a police officer.

It was a dream that resonated deeply with Constable Eteuati, driving him to pursue this path despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead. 

"He challenged us and told us that he would want to see one of us become a police officer and one graduate from Malua Theological College," Constable Eteuati recounted.

"It stuck with me and I know as the eldest, I had to grant his wish. Unfortunately, he could not be here physically for my graduation, but I know he is happy where I am and what I have achieved."

The road to success was not without its trials, as Constable Eteuati threw himself wholeheartedly into the rigorous training and examinations required to become a police officer. "The plan was to work hard, train hard and give it my all," he added. 

He credited God for his blessings and guidance upon him and his classmates.

"I would also like to acknowledge my parents, siblings, relatives, spiritual parents and all of those who supported me and pushed me to keep going. It really does take a village." 

Aware of the challenges inherent in his role, Constable Eteuati pledged to serve his community with dedication, humility, and respect. Hailing from various villages across Samoa, he brings a wealth of experiences from his education at Vaitele-Uta Primary School, Robert Louis Stevenson School, and Samoa College.

He is the eldest son of Sala Eteuati and Janet Misipati.