Liliana Tora was yesterday a proud daughter of former Police officers when she received the dux-equivalent award after completing the Fiji Police Force Basic Recruits Course.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, the newly-recruited Police Constable was awarded the Commissioner’s Book Prize.

The award recipient is recognised for attaining the highest aggregate marks in all theoretical and practical assessments of the course.

She was among the 177 in the passing-out parade at Nasova Police Academy ground in Suva.

“My parents are the reason why I wanted to join the force,” the 27-year-old said.

“The first two weeks of training was my biggest challenge because I had to leave my husband and three daughters behind to pursue this career,” the Salevukoso, Macuata, lass said.

“I look back now and I can boldly say that it has been worth it all as I promised myself to work hard during the basic recruitment course and I am happy that I received the dux award.”

Constable Tora joined the Fiji Police Force as a Special Constable last year and served at the Valelevu Police Station where she will continue to be stationed.

Baton of Honour

For Baton of Honour recipient, Police Constable Uraia Tamanalevu, wanted to become a pastor but God led him to places he could spread the Gospel.

The 23-year-old, dedicated the award to his father, Police Corporal Avenai Tamanalevu.

“It was my father’s dream and push for me to become a Police officer and I thank him because without his support and words of encouragement I wouldn’t be here today,” the Naiborebore, Tailevu lad said.

The Baton of Honour award goes to the recruit constable show shows outstanding results in indoor and outdoor activities as well as the theoretical and practical assessments of the course.

Warning Police officers

Chief guest, Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing Inia Seruiratu reminded the officer the endless windows of opportunities and warned them to stay grounded.

“Once an allegation is made, let me remind you that it is never easy to restore things to the way things were,” he said.

“The way up is always difficult, but the way down is a fast and often painful journey, filled with regrets, and remorse.

“Always remember that respect is earned, you cannot force anyone to respect you and your uniform if you have not earned their respect,

“And respect is earned through honours then hard work, providing services that you are legally bound to provide by not abusing your authority, and most importantly, respect is earned by how you treat people,” he said.

Ba IDC women shine

Meanwhile, the new recruits who had a hand in Ba women’s team winning the IDC Women Soccer tournament were all smiles yesterday.

Luisa Tamani and Mereini Toro are both from Nailaga in Ba.

Police Constable Tamani said: “We want to thank Sergeant Inosi Cava who believed in us and encouraged us to be part of the challenging 11 weeks Basic Recruit Course.

“For us it was a different atmosphere altogether coming in as compared to those who came in with years of experience and seniority,”

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