Search for exemplary city cop launched

The Kiwanis Club formally launched the 2007 Search for Most Outstanding Policeman/woman last week to mark its 19th year of giving recognition to outstanding cops in Cebu City.

Kiwanis Club president William Medici, in his speech, said that “despite the controversies hounding the police force today, giving due recognition to those who have performed well in service would help boost the morale of the organization.”

Aside from nominees and awardees, Medici said that moral support should also be extended to the entire city police force.

 “This is Kiwanis’ will of expressing gratitude and support to the men and women in the police force who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their dedicated and hazardous vocation of keeping our city peaceful and safe 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he added.

Kiwanis is expecting several nominees, but could only give the award to the best policeman or policewoman who could “best all the nominees with his or her exemplary work to the public in the field she or he has chosen.”

Himself being a public servant, Medici also recognized the “dilemma of being in public service,” most especially in balancing one’s private and public life that requires continued upholding of public trust in the public institution one is representing.

Despite public condemnation of some members of our police force who are actually rogues in uniform, Kiwanis wants to continue what they considered a humble tribute to exemplary cops in the hope that giving awards would motivate those they described as “overworked” and “underpaid” policemen and women.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña, one of the honored guests during the launching of the search, said the city would support the programs of the Kiwanis Club he considers as the best civic group in the city with regards to its individual membership outputs.

“When someone does good, it’s important that you put the spotlight on that achievement,” the mayor said.

The Kiwanis would be rounding up various city police stations to verify the information provided for each nominee by their own police chiefs and colleagues.

To qualify for nomination, a cop must have “immensely contributed in maintaining peace and order in the community, and that he/she must have earned the accolade and respect of the citizens of Cebu City and the police force of which he/she is a member of.”

Nominees must be in good standing and his/her achievements from April 1, 2006 to December 2007 are recognized by his/her chief, and that he/she has no derogatory records for the past three years. Nominees must not have been convicted in any court for cases involving moral turpitude.

Deceased policemen awardees may also be nominated. However, three-time awardees no longer need to join.

For the past 19 years, the Kiwanis Club has already awarded 116 policemen, has given posthumous awards to three, and 13 special awards.

Chief Supt. Ronald Roderos, deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office-7, who graced the launching praised the club for sustaining the activity. — Edwin Ian Melecio/MEEV