On Friday, July 24, a ceremonial gathering marking the 107th anniversary of the establishment of the State Police was held at the Old Theatre in Bolesławiec. The event was attended by officers, civilian Police employees, retirees and pensioners, representatives of local governments and invited guests.
The ceremony began with a minute of silence dedicated to police officers who died in the line of duty.
The gathering was then addressed by the Bolesławiec County Police Commander, junior inspector Tomasz Jagielski.
There is no denying that the greatest strength of the Police is not patrol cars, regulations or equipment. The greatest strength of the Police is its people. Your work begins where others flee in panic. You enter the darkness of human tragedies and offer help in moments of absolute helplessness. This is not an ordinary profession. It is a mission that requires uncompromising dedication. You often pay a high price for it: sleepless nights, exhaustion and images that can never be erased from memory.
We all remember the words of the police oath: “to protect the security of the state and its citizens, even at the risk of one's life.” These words are not an empty phrase. They are a promise you make every day on the streets of our towns and villages.
He added: – Undoubtedly, the Police carry out the broadest range of tasks of all services in the country. In today's world, as it becomes increasingly complex, the role of the Police is constantly evolving. We must be ready for new challenges, adapt to changing conditions and continually improve our skills.
He concluded:
I am convinced that through joint work, determination and commitment, we will be able to meet every challenge that lies ahead.
During the ceremony, promotions to higher service ranks, awards, prizes and decorations granted by the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union of Police Officers and the International Police Association (IPA) were presented.
Civilian Police employees, as well as retirees and pensioners, were also remembered. The uniformed officers additionally honoured representatives of local governments for their support of the Bolesławiec Police.
At the end of the ceremony, the floor was taken by the First Deputy Commander of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wrocław, inspector Norbert Kurenda, who until recently served as the Bolesławiec County Police Commander.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are meeting to thank everyone who put on this navy-blue uniform, who made the decision to join the ranks of the Police and committed themselves to protecting public safety. This commitment is a mission and a tremendous responsibility.
But putting on the uniform is not easy. Putting on the navy-blue uniform is not easy, nor is standing guard over order and security. Because, Ladies and Gentlemen, when others sit down to holiday tables with their families, we are on duty. When others make plans and then spend pleasant weekends with their families, acquaintances and friends, we are on duty.
Every day, the Police in Lower Silesia respond to approximately 1,800 incidents. On an annual scale, that is more than half a million interventions. Half a million interventions to which we, police officers, leave our homes. We go to help another person and protect public safety, very often risking our lives and health.
He added:
We, police officers wearing navy-blue uniforms, have devoted our whole hearts to serving other people. And serving another person is a tremendous challenge and a tremendous responsibility. It is also a challenge for our families—our families, who are here with us as well. And I am very pleased that you, Ladies and Gentlemen, are here and support us all, because this is extremely important to us when we leave for duty.
We police officers know when we report for duty. Everyone has a schedule, reports for duty and carries out their tasks, but in reality we never know when we will return from duty. And, going further, whether we will return from duty at all. This is a tremendous mission and responsibility.
He added: – The support of our families, for which I thank you very, very sincerely, is beyond value. When we return home and try to rest for a moment and catch our breath, it brings tremendous joy. Because, as the county head said, we encounter the dark side of humanity. We, police officers, enter places where no one else will go. We undertake interventions that no one else in Poland would undertake.