Tonga’s King Tupou VI confers Police service medals to recipients

King Tupou VI has conferred medals to more than 200 former and current police officers and employees at a ceremony in Nuku’alofa.

Three separate medals were awarded which include the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGCM), Overseas Service Medal (OSM) and Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

A total of 110 LSGCM, 114 OSM and 10 MSM were presented to recipients.

LSCCM is awarded to police officers and employees after 18 years of service. Its ribbon features dark blue, red and white which signifies the national colours of Tonga and the police.

OSM recognizes the officers who served in the Solomon Islands under the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) which concluded in 2017 and the International Peace Monitoring Team since 2001. Its ribbon features red (signifies Tonga’s assistance to Solomon Islands), green and yellow (Solomon Islands national colours).

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force International Law Enforcement Cooperation Medal were also awarded to police officers and prison personnel who were deployed to the Solomon Islands as part of the Tonga Police Contingent to serve under RAMSI. Its ribbon features blue, yellow and green – a reminder of achievement of duty and service.

MSM recognizes outstanding and exemplary service to the communities, Tonga and the Police. It features dark blue, red and gold ribbon which symbolize the international colour of police, national flag of Tonga, high achievement and success.

The LSCCM, OSM and MSM carry the effigy of the late King George Tupou I who formally established Tonga Police through the 1875 Constitution.

Five gold brooch, 2 silver brooch and five bronze brooch were also awarded to 12 officers as part of the Commissioner’s Merit Award, introduced by the former Police Commissioner Grant O’fee. The award recognizes police members for acts of bravery, meritorious or distinguished service.

The ceremony was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Acting Prime of Tonga Hon Semisi Sika, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mateni Tapueluelu, members of the diplomatic corps and guests.