Paying tribute to men & women who served in the police force

By Jeannie Penehuro/

“Your Service, Your Sacrifice, Our Remembrance.”

Apia, SAMOA– 30 September 2026 – The Government and the Ministry of Police have paid tribute to the legacy of 14 men and women who served in the police force and passed on this year.

They were honoured at the annual Remembrance Day for Police led by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and attended by their families.

The ceremony infront of the Government Building, started with a parade down Beach Road with various Police Outposts marching under their own banner.

The Prime Minister said the annual commemoration ceremony is to pay tribute to former and late police officers who were either injured or lost their lives in the line of duty while serving the country.

“Police service is a commitment to protect others, uphold the law and maintain the peace of our community,” he said.

La’auli emphasised that police officers often put the safety and well-being of others before their own lives.

“Today we acknowledge that service. We acknowledge the commitment of those who have worn the uniform, and we recognise the families who have supported them through years of service,” he said.

“We salute their courage, we honour their commitment and we acknowledge the sacrifice they have made in serving Samoa.”

He said their service was given to Samoa and their sacrifice had become part of the country’s history, with their legacy continuing through those serving in the police department today.

He also expressed his gratitude and respect to the families of these officers. As part of the programme, a one-minute silence was noted followed by the Last Post and a three-volley rifle salute in remembrance of them.

The grand daughter following the footsteps of long serving police sergeant Sapa’u Lolesio Vitale who passed away this month at age 99.

Recognition of Service Awardees:
All 14 were recognised and members of their families received the awards on their behalf.

Some of them were injured during the line of duty, others from health complications.

Two of the longest serving officers, Senior Sergeant Sapa’u Lilomaiava Lolesio Vitale retired after 30 years of service and later became a Member of Parliament and died two wees ago at 99 years.

Also acknowledged was the late Laumatiamanu Mathew Ringo Purcell who left the service and later became a Cabinet Minister in the last Government and passed away last year.

Those honoured

1. Corporal Sa Hitilepi
2. Constable Lui Steven Sipilano
3. Sergeant Malofou Aiago
4. Sergeant Malo Fa’amau
5. Corporal Kid Roache
6. Constable Rex Mamea
7. Inspector Fonoivasa Seiuli Lolesio Fitahi Ah Ching
8. Civilian Rosita Galuvao
9. Sergeant Matthew Ringo Purcell
10. Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni
11. Sergeant Pisa Seia
12. Senior Sergeant Sapa’u Lilomaiava Lolesio Vitale
13. Inspector Richard AhChing
14. Sergeant Finau Elisaia