In a remarkable show of unity and camaraderie, a cross-section of personnel of Squad R1-2023 working at the Harbour Police Division held a joint inter-faith Thanksgiving Service at the basement of the nearly-completed two-story structure at the Ross Road Police Station in the east end of Freetown to celebrate their first anniversary as esteemed members of the Sierra Leone Police.
Led in the Christian prayers by Pastor Timothy A Conteh and Pastor Jeremiah Samura, the revered clergies thanked and praised God for the lives and well-being of the latest addition to the SLP. “Out of the thousands of Sierra Leoneans that applied for enlistment in the Sierra Leone Police over a year ago, you are the chosen ones. You must embrace this opportunity,” remarked the respected men of God. In their concluding sermon, the clergies urged the members of Squad R1-2023 to “in whatever situation, give thanks to God,” referencing the biblical verses in Luke 17:11 (the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ) and Psalms 100:1-5 respectively.
“On behalf of the entire Squad R1-2023, we thank God for this day, marking our maiden anniversary in the Sierra Leone Police. We are grateful to the leadership of LUC Kpulun for supporting and mentoring us. Our eyes are on the ball. We will always remain focused,” asserted Police Constable 22208 Christiana Cummings”.
On his part, the Support Officer of the Harbour Police Division, Superintendent Mr. Edward K Sesay stated that “this day is memorable for Squad R1-2023. I advise you to be united and to match your words with your actions.” The cool and calculated Superintendent Mr. Edward K Sesay concluded with valuable advice thus “Do not envy anyone. Your day will surely come. It’s just a matter of time.”
The guest of honour and chief celebrant of Squad R1-2023, CSP Mr. Emmanuel Kpulun congratulated his personnel (Squad R1-2023) on achieving an important milestone in their policing career by clocking 365 days in sound health. “I have many similarities with you. I am also Squad R1, but 1989. I was posted as LUC of the Harbour Police Division a year and 16 days today.”
The soft-spoken LUC Kpulun, in chronological order, narrated his illustrious 35 years’ experience in the Sierra Leone Police by stating, “I have worked in the Operations, Investigations, Prosecutions, and Administration departments of the Sierra Leone Police. I encourage you to be honest, disciplined, respectful, and supportive of everyone, including members of the public. Be your brother’s keeper”, he advised.
LUC Kpulun commended the indefatigable role of Squad R1-2023 in ensuring that tasks given to him are executed with due diligence and with utmost professionalism. Thus, he stated that “your arrival greatly impacted the daily operations of the Harbour Police Division which is why we are leading in all directions. Harbour Police Division is now a model of excellence in terms of quality policing services”, boasted LUC Kpulun.
The chief celebrant of Squad R1-2023 concluded his speech with this question “What have you learned in your first full one-year of policing”?
“Please do due diligence to the oath you subscribed to, by sincerely serving this nation and its people in the best way possible,” he ended with a broad smile.
Several other speakers made similar sentiments including Chief Superintendent of Police Mr. Brima Bangura, the Regional Operations Officer who represented the Regional Police Commander of the Freetown-East region.
Light refreshments and photo-opera climaxed the event. A cocktail dinner and dance will climax the anniversary celebrations taking place at the Amvil Bar and Restaurant opposite Harbour Police Station at 20:00hrs tonight.
