The legacy of the men and women in uniform of the Samoa's Police Service who were injured or paid the ultimate price in the line of duty was remembered yesterday in a special commemorative service.  

The service included the lighting of candles for police officers who have passed away and included a minute of silence in their memory. 

The service was held at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) Gymnasium on Wednesday morning.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Faualo Harry Schuster highlighted the importance of Police Remembrance Day.

"I stand before you with the greatest of respect and admiration for the service you provide," Faulalo said.

"It is indeed my honor to join you this morning as we gather to commemorate the Police Remembrance Day, an important day to pay tribute to former comrades who were either severely injured or who have lost their lives while serving our country through the Ministry of Police."

"Today we reflect on those who are gone and celebrate their legacy that lives on in each and every man and woman who wear the blue uniform. Their service for a safer Samoa, their courage and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. In unity, we look back and salute those who have served the Ministry of Police with great pride and honor."

Faualo said that as indicated in the Ministry’s records, eight officers have passed away within the last twelve months from 29th of September 2020 till the 29th of September 2021.

He said that their thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues, and that their service will always be remembered.

Police Remembrance Day was also an opportunity to also honor those who led the policemen and policewoman in the past, according to Faualo.

"Your hard work and sacrifice throughout your times with the Ministry will always be remembered," he said.

Faualo said that this is also a day of significance to the entire community in Samoa and around the world in which they are able to salute the fallen comrades for front line roles in our society, as keepers of the peace and for their engagement with the community on many levels.

"We will remember with great gratitude and appreciation those who have gone and those who are with us today and continue to serve us," he said.

"God bless you all who are here today, God bless Samoa."

Auliaimalae Penerosa Toilolo, the wife of the late SuperIntendent Toilolo Taulapapa Toilolo who had served the Samoa Police Services for nearly 40 years told the Samoa Observer in an interview on Wednesday that it is a memorable day.

"Not only a memorable day but it's also a sad day for all of us, for me, my children and my family," she told the Samoa Observer.

"Because we [...] remember the long service our family has worked for the Police Services.

"I am so thankful for the many years that he has served as a police officer for Samoa.

"Even though we [...] miss him, we are so thankful to the Lord that his work has finished.

"I am thankful for the many years he has worked as a Samoan police officer. I am also thankful for the Samoa Police Services for the times he had traveled overseas to help my family and children."

 She reiterated her gratitude for the remembrance. 

"I am so glad, I thank the Assistant Police Commissioner and the management of the Samoa Police Services for their good work, for the commemoration of this beautiful day. Though it's hard, we just have to take it within us," she said.

"And I want to say thank you very much."

 She said that two of her children have followed their father's footsteps in becoming police officers for the Samoa Police Services.

"At present, I have my two children who are police. One is a policewoman and another is a policeman, my youngest son is also a policeman now. And I am so thankful to the Lord that they have followed their father’s legacy," she said.

"When I asked my son, because he is a graduate from the Philippines, he said he just wants to carry on with the legacy of my husband so I am very sorry and very thankful that my children have that heart to be police officers for the Government of Samoa. 

"Even though as the pastor says it's dangerous and a risky work, I do believe that the Lord always guides and leads them and protects them in all aspects of life. 

"And I am so thankful that they have the heart to become police officers of the Government of Samoa."

Those who received the recognition of service award include Late Assistant Commissioner Leiataua Fata Salele (served: 41 years and 7 months), Late Assistant Commissioner Pagamalie Penani Lemuelu (served: 40 years and 1 month), Late Superintendent Toilolo Taulapapa Toilolo (served: 38 years and 4 months), Late Senior Sergeant Tutoatasi Malaki (served: 28 years and 1 month), Late Sergeant Paulo Pau'ulu (served: 31 years and 7 months), Late Sergeant Tulafasa Falesui Su'a (served: 24 years and 5 months), Late Corporal Delta Galugalu Tavita (served: 12 years and 10 months), Late Principal Correction Officer Ape Palemene Amosa (served: 8 years and 9 months).