Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Today, you will become stewards for the safety of the public,” Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga told the 29th Police Academy graduation class at the ceremony this past Friday, September 6, where ASDHS Officer Ualesi Mua was recognized as the valedictorian, and DPS Police Officer Youlast Fe’a was honored as the salutatorian.

The ceremony, held at the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs Pago Pago, honored a total of 30 Police Academy graduates under the banner of “Service Before Self”. The graduates included 23 members from the Department of Public Safety, one from the Department of Search and Rescue, and 6 from the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS).

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks delivered by Deputy Commissioner Reverend Vaipuna Fo’ifua Fo’ifua Jr., followed by an invocation from Reverend Tusi Seanoa of CCCAS Petesa Uta. He urged graduates to place their faith in the Lord, seeking His guidance and wisdom to fulfill their duties with integrity and purpose.

In his keynote address, Gov. Lemanu encouraged the graduates and also reminded them that their new role is both crucial and challenging. “It is not an easy task, but we truly believe you have undertaken this challenge because of your love, dedication and commitment.”

He also emphasized the importance of honesty and fairness in their new role, saying: “I encourage you all to be honest, be fair in your decisions and judgment.”

He then thanked them for their dedication, affirming that their hard work and sacrifice is vital for upholding the law and ensuring the safety of the people of American Samoa.

DPS Commissioner PC Lefiti Atiulagi F. Pese announced the 30 graduates who had successfully completed over 20 weeks of intensive, standardized law enforcement training.

The Honorable Judge Salā Mamea Jr. administered the oath of office to the 29th Police Academy graduates.

During the ceremony, ASDHS Officer Ualesi Mua was recognized as the valedictorian, and DPS Police Officer Youlast Fe’a was honored as the salutatorian.

The 29th Police Academy graduates include:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 Anoa’i, Fa’aolataga; Asafo, Paice; Crichton, Malu; Esera, Filomena; Faaiu, Adronichus; Fe’a, Youlast**; Konelio, Henry; Koonwaiyou, Roberthenry; Leota, Agnes; Lepou, Congress; Lilio, Eteuati; Luafutu, Vena*; Maae, Nathaniel; Malauulu Leilulu; Malele, Fualaloata; Naea, Petaia Jr.; O’Brien, Michael; Simanu, Andrew; Tasi, Tavae; Tovio, Cedric; Tuivaiti, Lauoi; Tupuola, John; and, Tusipa, Po’oainafaiaoe

DEPARTMENT OF SEARCH AND RESCUE

Hunkin, Andrew

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 Asiata, Herenee; Fano, Albert; Faumuina, Robert; Mua, Ualesi***; Vaimauga, Fotualii; and, Voight, Bradley

To conclude the special event, Deputy Commissioner Reverend Vaipuna Fo’ifua Fo’fua Jr. gave the benediction, followed by a hymn performed by the 29th Police Academy and the retrieval of colors.