Governor Lolo Moliga let police officers know he understands their role of protecting the community is not an easy one.
Speaking at the church service to open Public Safety Week Sunday, the governor said policing is a calling …policemen and women are there to protect the rights, freedoms, property and safety of the community.
The governor also reminded the police force they must serve the people and enforce all laws in order to ensure the safety of the public.
Rev Paau Lalomauga, pastor of the Fagaalu Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, captured the assembly’s attention with his humorous sermon.
Emphasizing honesty, he told officers it’s not the title or the badge they wear that’s important but rather it’s how they serve the public.
The church minister advised when you serve with honesty, God will elevate you to where he wants you to be even without a degree.
Rev. Paau said one of the traits a police officer must possess is the ability to read people’s minds and they need to communicate better with the people and not exercise their authority unnecessarily.
In the Samoan language, police are referred to as “malu o le malo” or protector of the nation and Rev. Paau told the officers that the territory needs to feel safe and secure under their protection.
First Lady Cynthia Moliga attended the Sunday service with the governor, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale & Mrs Beauty Ale and Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega and Mrs Asuega.
Former commissioners who turned out for the opening service were Senator Tuaolo Fruean, William Haleck and Aumoeualogo Te’o Fuavai.
Former police chief and deputy commissioner Rev. Faamao Asalele was also present.
The church service started a week of activities to mark Public Safety Week.
The activities which will involve police and their families includes a wave, a Family Day, public outreach and a grand ball.
