Loyalty, courage, and sacrifice took centre stage at the SAPS Chatsworth medal parade, where officers were honoured for their years of service and unwavering commitment to keeping communities safe.
Station Commander Brigadier Ruth De Villiers hosted the ceremony at SAPS Chatsworth, which was attended by other station commanders, chairpersons of the Chatsworth Community Police Forum (CCPF), chairman of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum Dr Guru Kistnasamy, and SPP Lolly Soobramoney.
Communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said: “The medal parade was held to honour and appreciate members of the South African Police Service for loyalty, dedication and commitment to the people of South Africa.”
One of the highlights of the day was Captain Derrick Chetty, a stalwart in policing, receiving his 40-Year Loyal Service Medal for his unwavering dedication and service carried out with integrity, compassion, and patriotism. Other recipients were awarded the 30-Year Loyal Service Medal, 10-Year Loyal Service Medal, 2010 Soccer World Cup Medal, and the Commemoration Service Medal.
Brigadier De Villiers said: “We will defend. The South African Flag does not fly because of the wind, it flies because of every police officer who wears their name badge on their chest to defend it. We serve we protect.”
She added that the medal parade was a moment for reflection: “The foot soldiers in blue woke up with purpose etched in every fibre as we always do. However, this day we each adorned this beautiful South African Police ceremonial uniform reflecting on the individual journey taken in this organisation with integrity, tenacity, zest, determination and commitment to the cause of ensuring that people in this country are and feel safe. This could only and will only be achieved through our most precious resources in the South African Police Service who are our dedicated members.”
Quoting former President Nelson Mandela, she said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Captain Pillay noted that on the day, members travelled down memory lane as they received their medals, recalling the difference each had made in the lives of the people of South Africa.
This month, SAPS also commemorates and honours fallen heroes who laid down their lives to protect the people of South Africa.
Pillay added: “They are gone but never forgotten. May their souls rest in eternal peace also may their families make God the anchor of their lives who heals all sorrows. September is also Public Service Month were we will continue to improve frontline service delivery to the community of Chatsworth.”
She further noted that the medal parade was an important platform for management to recognise employees’ extraordinary efforts: “This prestigious medal parade being held served as a way of management honouring and recognising the outstanding efforts of employees, both men and women in blue who went beyond the call of duty to perform selfless and kind acts to the people of South Africa.
This medal parade tells a story of individuals with extraordinary heroism, patriotism and unwavering devotion to duty and going above the call of duty. Every recipient’s story is associated with courage with the ethos of the South African Police at the centre of your heart. On behalf of the management, may we express our gratitude and appreciation to every member who are recipients.
Many of you have sown into society by ensuring that you saved a life or made a difference during your call of duty. It takes a very special human being to be a police officer. The real medal is the result of sweat, determination, and the internal battles fought.”
She concluded with a pledge: “Together we reaffirm our commitment to serve with dedication so that the citizens feel safe within the parameters of our country. We pledge, that we will continue to serve with valour and honour. We will consider the face of the poorest and most vulnerable human being that we have ever chanced upon, and ask ourselves if the acts that we contemplate will be of benefit to that person; and if it will be, it’s the right thing to do, and if not, to rethink it. We consider this pledge to binding on each of our consciences and give the assurance that service to the community will remain as our purpose, motivating us to greater heights.”
The management extended their appreciation to Tyrone Naidoo of TDC Caterers for his sponsorship, as well as Prosecure and the Westcliff Crime Patrollers for sharing in this momentous celebration in honour of police officers.
