Brothers Eye Career In Police Force
They both aim to follow in their parents’ footsteps.
Friday 30 September 2022 | 15:00
The late Police Corporal, Sakiusa Dogo Vakau’s wife Laniana Musuqawa, daughter, Elisha Merewalesi and sons (left) Paula Vakau Dogo and Mosese Cio Dogo, during the Northern Division Police Remembrance Service at Labasa Police Station on September 29. (R) The late Police Corporal, Sakuisa Dogo Vakau.
While two Labasa brothers shed tears for their late father, they are determined to continue his legacy by becoming Police officers.
Paula Vakau Dogo, 16, and Mosese Cio Dogo, 15, want to follow in both their parents’ footsteps by joining the Fiji Police Force one day.
Their father, Sakiusa Dogo Vakau, was a Police Corporal based at the Labasa Police Station. He died on February 7 this year after being hospitalised for a few days since due to a swollen elbow.
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They presented their late father’s rite to honour his contributions to the Fiji Police Force during the Northern Division Police Remembrance Service, at Labasa Police Station, yesterday.
Paula and Mosese said they were ready to work hard and ensure they don the Police uniform to honour the sacrifices their late father made.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school closure, Paula engaged himself in their family farm in Vuniyalala, Labasa. He planned to return to school next year and enrol in Year 11 at Holy Family Secondary School while younger brother, Mosese, is a Year Nine student at the same school.
The family reside at Covata Housing in Tuatua, Labasa. The only daughter in the family, Elisha Merewalesi, 9, has promised to do well academically to honour her father.
Their mother Laniana Musuqawa promised to ensure both her sons are academically and practically competent to once again revive the ‘Dogo’ name in the Police ranks.
She described her husband as patient, humble, hardworking, unity driven, racially tolerant and disciplined.
“My husband was like a father-like figure not just in our household, but also in the station as he assisted young officers in handling Police operations,” she said.
She spoke about the struggles she had now as a single parent, but said: “I have to be strong and put myself in a situation where I can handle things.”
Her first priority is devoted to her children’s well-being and educational development.
The 45-year-old is also a Police Sergeant in Labasa.
“I have to sit in another room to shed tears for my husband as I don’t want my kids to see me as weak,” she said.
Originally from Namuka, Macuata, she encourages her children to wisely use their finances for their family life.
She advised other parents not to perceive the passing of their loved ones as a barrier, but instead mould their children to prosper and make their fathers proud.
Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
