Police members came out in celebration and gratitude last Friday when members of the Ekurhuleni West Cluster SAPS were honoured.
The cluster’s police officers’ Long-Service Medal Parade ceremony was held at the Germiston City Sports Club.
The event was aimed at honouring those officers who have been loyal and dedicated to their service for 10, 20 and 30 years.
Medals were also presented posthumously to the families of officers who died in the line of duty.
Chaplain Sivuyile Maquinyana blessed the ceremony with a prayer.
The Germiston SAPS’ station commander, Brig Nkensani Lemba, welcomed all those present at the event.
“This is a special and significant day for us in the police force,” said Lemba.
“This is a day where we honour our own for their years of service and loyalty to the job.
“This is a very dangerous career and it takes a man and woman of courage to be in blue.”
Gen Auma Korae (Ekurhuleni West Cluster SAPS commander) was among those present to honour police officers.
“We are also here to honour the families of the fallen heroes and heroines,” said Korae.
“We thank the families because they supported the officers who gave their lives for the service.”
Korae said the ceremony should encourage officers to work hard.
“To those who are still serving, keep up the good work and continue working hard,” she said.
“We salute the 30 year medalists and want all officers to strive towards providing the citizens of Ekurhuleni West and Gauteng excellent service.
“It is not every day we get to celebrate the members who have given their lives for the community and thank the families who give the members support.”
