Police Honour Late Commissioner on Remembrance Day

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 03 September 2023: The late Police Commissioner Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo was among 11 sworn officers and 3 non-sworn officers remembered and honoured at the Police Remembrance Day last Friday.

Lilomaiava passed on in 2016 but was not given the traditional send-off for every fallen police officer where his casket is carried by police and his family presented with the national flag.

At yesterday’s ceremony, the Minister for Police Faualo Harry Schuster officially presented a state flag, a plaque and a lit candle to Lilomaiava’s son who is a police inspector and grand-daughter in honour of their fathers’ service.

“We are gathered here to commemorate the police Remembrance Day and to pay tribute to former officers who were severely injured or lost their lives in the line of duty. Today we reflect on those who are gone and celebrate their legacy that lived on in every man and woman that wears the blue uniform,” said Faualo.

The late Police Commissioner Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo’s son, Inspector Joe Taioalo accepting the flag for his father.

In unity, the Ministry looked back and saluted those who served the Ministry of Police and Prisons with pride and honour their service for a safer Samoa, their courage and sacrifice have been greatly appreciated and never forgotten.

In the Ministry’s records, 14 have passed on since September 2022.

The commemoration service started with the parade to raise the flag in-front of the Government building then returned to the police headquarters where the Minister for Police delivered the keynote address.

This was followed by the lighting of the remembrance candles and the last post and the presentation of certificates.

Minister for Police Faualo Harry Schuster, former Police Commissioner Tuatagaloa Asi Blakelock & Australian Department of Defence Chief Petty Officer, Chris Marsh.

Sworn Officers

• Late Superintendent Faiesea Lautala – 38 years of service.
• Late Senior Sergeant Tui Levasa – 25 years of service.
• Late Sergeant Talavini Kaisara – 28 years & 8 months of service.
• Late Constable Seiati Tapu Vaauli -10 years of service.
• Late Constable Ieronimo Peseta Fuiono – 6 years of service.
• Late Constable Faauli Lagaaia – 6 years of service.
• Late Constable Mele Lapana – 3 years & 7 months of service.
• Late Principal Correction Officer Posenai Sui – 20 years of service.
• Late Principal Corrections Officer Auina Fepuleai -10 years & 7 months of service.
• Late Corrections Officer Misa Fautele Tuliau – 7 years of service
• Late Police Commissioner – Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo- 37 years of service.

Non-Sworn Officers

• Vaivalu Tanielu Vaivalu – Farm Manager -Head of State -27 years & 5 months of service.
• Tauilili Lio Bartley – Assistant Chief Executive Officer, LTA- 2 years of service.
• Motusaga Talai Lene – Principal Accountant – 23 years & 4 months of service.
  

  The former Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu (centre) with Inspector Keti & FESA Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga.