The ceremony was attended by the deputy regional police commander in Wrocław, Insp. Tomasz Milkowski, representatives of services cooperating with the police, local government authorities, the clergy and the largest employers in Zgorzelec County, as well as police delegations from the Czech Republic and Germany. Retired police officers, police officers’ families and residents of Zgorzelec were also present.
The ceremonial academy was preceded by Mass, celebrated by the dean of the Zgorzelec Deanery, Rev. Maciej Wesołowski, for police officers, police employees and their families.
At 12:00 p.m., invited guests and police officers from Zgorzelec County gathered at the European Educational and Cultural Centre in Koźlice. The Zgorzelec county police commander, Junior Insp. Leszek Zagórski, recalled the history of the establishment of the State Police and the contribution of police officers to the reconstruction of the Polish state. He warmly thanked representatives of the local government authorities and the largest workplaces for their cooperation and support.
In his speech, the commander also spoke about the challenges facing police officers in Zgorzelec, including those related to changes in criminal procedure, and about the dangers posed by designer drugs.
During the academy, Junior Insp. Leszek Zagórski extended special wishes and words of thanks to female police officers and women employed by the police. It was exactly 90 years ago that the first woman joined the ranks of the State Police.
Insp. Tomasz Milkowski wished the officers continued success. He highlighted the growing trust in the police among the country’s residents, as well as the commitment of police officers and civilian employees. Zgorzelec County Governor Artur Bieliński also thanked the police officers, emphasizing the hardships and dangers of their service.
Furthermore, three police officers and civilian employees were awarded Medals for Long Service, granted by President of the Republic of Poland Bronisław Komorowski. In addition, seven uniformed officers were awarded the “Meritorious Police Officer” badge. Awards and promotions were presented to police officers and civilian employees. (In total, 70 police officers were promoted to higher service ranks, while 33 police officers received commemorative diplomas and cash awards funded by local governments).
Moreover, three civilian employees received commemorative gifts for their conscientious and diligent work. After the ceremony, a delegation from the Zgorzelec County Police Headquarters laid flowers at the monument to the prisoners of Stalag VIIIA.