The Police Department recognizes retired police officers, 16 citizens, and honors nine officers for their inclusion in the Order of Police Merit
Benidorm celebrates National Police Day with a solemn event on Avenida Europa
The police chief, Luis Manuel Sánchez, states that the institution is "prepared to ensure that Benidorm continues to be synonymous with security and prosperity."
Benidorm celebrated National Police Day today, Thursday, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, with a solemn ceremony on Avenida Europa, at the intersection with Paseo de Alcoy, to support the officers and civil servants of the local police station.
The acting Mayor of Benidorm, Ana Pellicer, presided over the ceremony, accompanied by Benidorm Chief Superintendent Luis Manuel Sánchez Navarro, who publicly thanked the City Council for their "unconditional support" to the police force and expressed his "infinite gratitude" for their collaboration in organising the patron saint's festivities and in their daily work.
The commemoration began at 11:30 a.m. with the playing of the Spanish National Anthem. Following this, the acting mayor and the commissioner reviewed the national police officers participating in the training, in the presence of the majority of the local council, Senator Agustín Almodóbar, representatives of the State Security Forces, judicial authorities, and representatives of civil society.
The National Police also recognised on this occasion citizens "committed to their areas of responsibility in recognition of their work, dedication, and collaboration with the National Police," as well as retired police officers, whom they also thanked for their dedication during their years of service to the police force. Commemorative diplomas were received by citizens Francis Muñoz, Jaime Ángel González, Marcos García, Jaime Llorca, Lorenzo Cervera, Pedro Jiménez, Antonio Domínguez, Ricardo Carrillo, José Esteban Rivera, Marina Martí, Miguel Ángel Sotillos, Juan Bautista Fuster, Ángela Moreno, Miguel Martínez, and Eva María Pedreño.
The Chief Superintendent of Benidorm Local Police, Luis Martín Arévalo, also received a special distinction "for his contribution to strengthening cooperation between both institutions."
Following these initial recognitions, nine officers from the local police station were awarded the Police Merit Cross with white insignia for their induction into the Order of Police Merit: Joaquín Minaya Almansa, Óscar Jiménez Expósito, María Teresa de la Mata, Óscar David Bellón, Francisco Freire Maroto, David Hidalgo, David García López, Miguel Lloret, and Beatriz Piedra del Valle.
Following the awards, the police chief, Luis Manuel Sánche,z took the floor to state that today was "a day of pride, remembrance, and recognition for those who have upheld the values of the National Police." He described the force as "the fundamental pillar of security in Spain" and that its mission is "to safeguard the rights of citizens, guaranteeing their safety." He also emphasised that it is a "solid, modern, efficient, and technologically advanced" institution.
The Benidorm Commissioner said that the National Police has the responsibility to "create safe environments to guarantee well-being" and that they fight every day "to eradicate hatred and discrimination against the most vulnerable groups." He described the Benidorm police force as "a friendly institution prepared to ensure that the city continues to be synonymous with prosperity and security" and congratulated all the officers at the station because "you are all essential, and your efforts sustain the trust that the citizens place in us."
Without forgetting "our retirees and the families of our police officers," the commissioner reiterated that the commitment to Benidorm is "firm, defending the city for peaceful coexistence." "With humility and pride, we are determined to walk together," he concluded.
Following Luis Manuel Sánchez's speech, a tribute was held for the police officers who died in the line of duty with the laying of a wreath at the feet of the statue of the patron saint of the National Police. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the National Police anthem.
Mass for the Angeles Custodios
Before this event, a mass was held at El Buen Pastor parish church, which was also attended by the acting mayor, accompanied by Jesús Carrobles, Councillor for Public Service; as well as other members of the Municipal Corporation; Senator Agustín Almodóbar; and members of Benidorm Police Station and other police representatives.
