As much as it is tempting and easy to criticize and label all police officers as bad cops - it is unfair for those cops who are dedicated and passionate about their career. And Commissioner of Police Chester Williams recognized 4 of them for their stellar work and bravery on the job. The award ceremony was held at the Queen Street Police Station today. We spoke to the Commissioner Williams as well as Corporal Briceno Chub who put his life on the line to apprehend an armed fleeing suspect.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"The first matter will be the officer who single handedly pursued the person who was responsible for the shooting death of Mr. Lennan here in Belize City. I must say the officer was very courageous in pursuing that individual until he was caught and subsequently charged for murder and is now behind prison where he belongs. Please let's give that officer a round of applause. The second incident is the shooting death of Mr. Zheng which took place on the George Price Highway around mile 4 and again two officers from SPU were able to act swiftly in detaining the persons concerned, recovered the vehicle of the Zheng that was stolen in the crime and CIB officer who put the pieces together, officer O'Brian again these officers performed exceptionally well and so it is only fitting that we take time to recognize and award these officers for their stellar performance."
Cpl. Briceno Chub, Awarded for pursuing suspect in Lennan Murder
"I was off duty going home when I heard the shot and I saw the male person with the firearm running so I order him to put down the weapon but he did not so just instinct, flash of a moment."
Reporter
"My recollection is that he was caught at the stadium, that was a bit far, did you chase him all the way there?"
Cpl. Briceno Chub
"Yes, halfway but he returned, fired two more shots while he was going so I had to stop."
Reporter:
"And call for backup?"
Cpl. Briceno Chub
"Of course. I always work hard I keep on pushing as I always believe that the more we push the better the department will be."
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"You would know as a disciplined organization, we are in the habit of disciplining officers to ensure that they tow a straight line but equally we must also be that department that is quick to award our officers who perform exceptionally well and under this administration we believe that when our officers do well that they get the recognition that they so deserve for the good work they do."
"We do understand the reason why the public behave the way they do many of the work the police do goes unnoticed. I am sure that everyday the police protect many lives and save many lives but it is not seen."
"But the public do expect that we should do more and I also believe that we can do more and I always implore our officers to ensure that whenever they go out and the do their job that they perform to the best of their ability."
The 4 police awardees are Supt. Alejandro Cowo, Corporal Briceno Chub, PC Lennox Castillo and PC Frederick Frazer.
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