By Forum staff writer
The Sierra Leone Police has held a solemn interfaith service at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy in Hastings to honour police officers who lost their lives during the civil conflict and in the line of duty in the years that followed.
The ceremony brought together senior police officers, government officials, religious leaders and serving personnel in a moment of reflection, prayer and remembrance. The service was part of a national effort to recognise the sacrifices made by members of the security forces in the defence of peace, law and order.
Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu said the idea of holding an interfaith remembrance service was first proposed last year by the Minister of Information and Civic Education to President Julius Maada Bio. He noted that the President welcomed the initiative, which later received full support from the police leadership.
According to the IGP, the observance officially commenced on 14 January 2026 and is intended to serve as a continuous reminder of the price paid by those who answered the call to serve the nation. He stressed that the occasion was not limited to remembering fallen police officers alone, but also all men and women who lost their lives while serving Sierra Leone in different capacities.
Inspector General Sellu described death as inevitable yet unpredictable, noting that the pain of losing colleagues is often deeply felt within the police force. He recalled with sadness the recent death of three police officers who lost their lives in a road traffic accident, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the risks officers face even outside active operations.
He urged serving officers to remain spiritually grounded, advising them to continually commit their lives to God before leaving for duty and upon their return. He said policing is a demanding and high risk profession that requires not only physical readiness and professional discipline, but also spiritual preparedness.
The IGP encouraged officers to uphold the values of service, integrity and sacrifice, stressing that the memories of fallen colleagues should inspire renewed commitment to duty rather than fear. He also called on officers to support one another, especially in times of grief and uncertainty.
Religious leaders from both the Christian and Muslim faiths offered prayers for the souls of the departed and for the safety of all serving officers. They also prayed for peace, unity and continued stability in the country.
The interfaith service ended with a call for reflection and gratitude, as the Sierra Leone Police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace in honour of those who paid the ultimate price.
