TEN members of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) who retired from the Force have been formally farewelled, Thursday.
They were farewelled during a ceremony at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.
The ceremony included a farewell parade and light refreshments for the retired police officers.
The parade commander for the farewell ceremony was one of the retired officers Superintendent Paul Bulu.
Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley during the farewell parade took the opportunity to bid the officers farewell.
“It’s a wonderful parade this morning (yesterday) for everyone to come out and wish and farewell our retired officers all the best for the next chapter of their lives.
“This a very special parade and we will be recognising a group of RSIPF officers who have served the Force with long standing distinction and pride over many years throughout the course of their careers,” he said.
At the ceremony the officers were presented with their retirement certificates and plagues in commemoration of their service to the Force and people of Solomon Islands.
He explained: “When you look back at the history of this organisation it is built on the hard work, determination and the courage of officers like those who are retiring today.
“On behalf of your RSIPF colleagues here today, your colleagues across the country and the grateful people of Solomon Islands, we congratulate you for your service and we say thank you.”
In his speech during the farewell function, representative of the retired officers Superintendent Paul Bulu encouraged the young officers to serve the nation with pride despite the challenges they are facing.
“Before I go home I would like to say to all young serving Police officers: being a Police officer will always be challenging.
“But we are here to serve our people, our communities and our nation as a whole. We had run the race and reached the finishing line. Let us always remind ourselves of the saying, ‘obedience is better than sacrifice’.”
He further added: “Discipline is the only way we can serve with loyalty, dignity and trust in order to be an independent police officer.”
– Police Media
