Police week was observed throughout the country of Belize under the theme “Let’s Unite and Continue to Make Belize Safe” with several activities carried out from Sunday, June 24, 2012 to Saturday, June 30, 2012. The San Pedro Police Department also held several activities of its own throughout the week.
Kicking off the week-long activities was an Ecumenical Church Service held at the Living Word Church on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The San Pedro Police Formation was then divided into three groups and visited hot spots on the island and talked to island residents about their concerns; this took place on Monday, June 25, 2012.
On Tuesday, June 26, 2012, San Pedro Police served senior citizens of San Pedro to the first ever Police Week Senior Citizen Luncheon. Senior citizens were treated to a delicious lunch at the Lions Den where police officers were the waiters for the day as part of their community service.
Police Officers also paid a visit to two schools on the island, New Horizon SDA School and The Holy Cross Anglican School on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Officers talked to the students about their importance in the community and how they can become good productive citizens of Ambergris Caye. They were encouraged to consider police work as a future career for the betterment of our country.
On Thursday, June 28, 2012, The San Pedro Police Department teamed up with other government organizations and held an all-day Open Fair at the Old Football Field. With an emphasis on creating awareness on the importance of the work of police, the SP Police Department was joined by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Immigration Department, Social Security, and The San Pedro Fire Department.
Guillermo ‘Cholo’ Nuñez honored as Citizen of the Year by the San Pedro Police Department
Two of San Pedro’s officers were honored on Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Medal Ceremony in Belmopan City. Assistant Superintendent of Police and Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Department Vienie Robinson and Sergeant Ludgwig Castillo were awarded with the 1st Class Medal Award for serving as Police Officers for over 25 years.
Closing off the week-long celebrations was a parade through the main streets of San Pedro which was held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, which was followed by a closing ceremony held at the San Pedro Police Station. During the ceremony police officers were awarded for their hard work throughout the year and citizens that have wholeheartedly contributed to the police department were also awarded with certificates of appreciation.
Sergeant Ludgwig Castillo had the honors of being named Officer of the Year 2012, Special Constable of the year went to SC Albert Lawrence and Tourism Officer of the Year was SC Shedrick Dominguez. Police gave special recognition to the Citizen of the Year which was awarded to Mr. Guillermo “Cholo” Nuñez and Donor of the Year was awarded to Mr. Talal Harmouch of Harmouch Center. Other persons who received certificates of appreciation were Mr. Albert Dunn, Mr. Brian Cook, Mr. Bernard Spain and Mr. Francisco Arceo.
Highlighting the ceremony was the handing over of the new police truck which was promised to the San Pedro Police Department in a previous meeting with the mayor and councilors earlier in the year. Mayor Daniel Guerrero officially handed over the pickup truck to ASP Vienie Robinson. Police officers then enjoyed a delicious BBQ in the good company of friends.