July 23, 2002 – Family and friends joined police officials at Government House on Monday for the swearing in of 15 new St. Croix law-enforcement officers.
Territorial Court Chief Judge Maria Cabret administered the oath of office to the men and women who have completed 27 weeks of training at the Police Department Training Academy at the Patrick Sweeney Headquarters.
Deputy Police Chief Angel Santos applauded the new officers for choosing a law-enforcement career and assured those gathered that they are much needed. "You have taken a great step and a formidable choice," he said. "Think the best, work for the best and expect the best."
Santos told the packed audience, "These individuals chose to defend the weak."
Ten of the rookie officers are joining the Police Department: Jose Berrios II, Christian Coad, Kirk Fieulleteau, Aba Jackson, Vincia Gomes, Melford Murray, Luciano Nibbs, Tehran Parris, Eliezer Ramirez and Jane Anne St. Rose.
Four are going to the V.I. Housing Authority Police force: Bill Rawlins, Nicholas Francois, Samuel Menzies and Keisha Vanterpool.
One, Barbara Magras, will join the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Residents can be assured that the new officers patrolling their streets and serving their communities "will be dreaming the law, living the law and respecting the law," Rawlins, president of the graduating class, said.
Former police captain Ohanio Harris, now special assistant to the governor, advised the officers to "resist the temptation of going above the law."
Also were recognized at Government House on Monday in a separate ceremony were 36 peace officers who provided safety and security services for the annual meeting of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors on St. Croix month.
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II presented awards to 29 officers of the Police Department, three from DPNR, two from the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department and two territorial marshals.
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