A total of 57 Police and Correctional officers were promoted to higher ranks in a special ceremony held at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) hall at Sogi on Wednesday morning. 

Of that number, eleven women officers worked their way up to higher ranks within a male-dominant profession.  

Families and friends of the newly promoted officers crowded the hall to witness an important milestone for their loved ones who were awarded certificates, marking the commencement of their services in their new roles. 

Reverend Dr. Latu Latai of the C.C.C.S. parish in Apia officiated the service and sought God's guidance upon those who got promoted as they serve Samoa and its people. 

The Minister of Police and Prison, Faualo Harry Schuster addressed the gathering, speaking about the significant role law enforcers play in our community and the sacrifices they make to deliver their duties to the best of their abilities. 

He also congratulated the newly-promoted officers and wish them all the best in their new ranks. 

Faualo also used the opportunity to remind them to be honest and humble in carrying out their duties. 

Being police officers and correctional service officers, according to Faualo takes a lot of courage and sacrifice. He said the hard work and dedication of those who chose these career paths are commendable. 

"It's not an easy profession," he said. 

"You put yourselves out there to protect our community and sometimes your lives are at risk, yet you carry out your duties without hesitation to ensure that our people are safe from harm."

Turning to the newly promoted officers, Faualo reminded them that they have already taken their oaths and should uphold the values and principles of policing in Samoa. 

"And for those who did not get promotions, your time will come. Believe in yourselves and keep striving for the best."

Faualo also acknowledged the support of the families and friends of those who got promotions on Wednesday, for their ongoing prayers and support. 

Those who got promoted from Inspectors to Superintendent rank include Muliagatele Tavete Tusani and Aldora Mamaia. 

Inspector Rank: Solomona Aimaasu, Apaula Taeu, Alataua Opeta, Aasa Afoa, Lopati Peniata, Maseiga Lauina and Fa'amotu Agaalii. 

Manager Custory (Prisons and Corrections): Sani Afu. 

Officer in Charge (O.I.C. for Prisons and Corrections): Alfie Lauina and Maria Sautia.

Senior Sergeant Rank: Taufale Junior Afereti, Shrikrishna Schwenke, Fa'afetai Auva'a, Malo Osa, Fa'ata'ape Alaimalo, Titimaea Nemaia, Khamtahn Stanley. 

Sergeant Rank, Tenari Va'ai, Vitolina Niko, Rudolf Ho Chee, Etuale Lelei, Sorepa Leleimalefaga, Penehuro Paniani, Samuelu Fa'aofo, Tuifao Luata, Malu Fagalele, Misi Iosefa, Mao Kolio, Asafo Tua, La'auli Talataina, Fofoaivaoese Misipati, Vaivali Laulu, Falepule Tomasi, Leativalu Neemia, Evile Ekueni, Visesio Molio'o, Greg Peniamina. 

Corporal Rank: Siaosi Tuiavale, Goneyali Samuelu Fa'alafi, Thomas Tutoatasi, Saisirita Tufuga, Iakopo Leifi, Piipiimatausala Alapati, Talalelei Siauvale, Tusiga Tusiga, Tu Ieni, Edwin Taotua, Michael Ualei, Iakopo Leota, Siaifa Sua, Peter Fuimaono, Farani Roberts, Tony Matuu, Tauleia Alaimalo, Teresa Kanela.