Once a year, the Guam Police Department honors the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of keeping our community safe. It’s also a time to reflect on the dedication, courage and professionalism exhibited daily by the men and women of GPD.
A proclamation signing ceremony was held on Friday at Government House (Guma Itaotao), naming May 11 - 17 Guam Police Week, and May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Various dignitaries including Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio were present to commemorate the occasion. In the same ceremony, members of the 38th Guam Legislature also had the opportunity to present a resolution to honor the occasions.
The following day a Mass of Intention for National Police Week was offered throughout the parishes of the Archdiocese of Agana.
As GPD rolls out the rest of its celebratory observances, there are several activities that members of the public will be able to participate in, and we encourage their presence.
Today, May 12, the public is invited to view static displays at the Agana Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Various personnel from law enforcement agencies will be present to answer questions about their work and engage with the community. There will also be displays of large equipment and other tools that these individuals utilize in their line of work. Hundreds of middle-school students, in particular, are expected to tour the displays.
On Tuesday, GPD will be reintroducing “Coffee with a Cop” at McDonald’s in Mangilao from 7 to 9 a.m. The public will have the opportunity to meet the officers who serve them. Community members will also be able to discuss crime prevention and safety as well as express their own personal concerns with police officers in a more casual setting.
On Wednesday, various island dignitaries will be invited to attend an “Executive Training Day.” This will enable them to engage in law enforcement training activities based on mock scenarios and situations. Due to space limitations, this event is by invitation only.
The activity held on Thursday is a particularly meaningful one. GPD will join the rest of the nation in solemnly observing Peace Officers Memorial Day - an occasion set aside to honor and remember the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
On Friday, the department will be hosting the “2025 Police Service Awards Ceremony and GPD Employee Luncheon.” Due to space constraints, the event will be limited to GPD employees and invited guests.
At the ceremony, awards will be given to the “Police Officer of the Year," “Civilian Volunteer Reserve Officer of the Year (CVPR)," “Civilian Employee of the Year," “Manager of the Year," “Supervisor of the Year," and the “Unit Citation for Excellence.” These are individuals nominated by their peers and being recognized for their performance and contributions to the department.
In closing, on behalf of the GPD Familia, we want to thank the community for its valuable support. We also want to express thanks to the various committees for their amazing work and their tireless efforts to organize and execute every activity associated with Police Week. The men and women in blue never cease to show their commitment to keeping the people of Guam safe, and they never forget their comrades for their service throughout their distinctive careers. BIBA GPD!
Norman Analista is the first civilian to serve as Public Information Officer for the Guam Police Department in over 20 years. He and POIII Savella are undergoing a transition of responsibilities.