Tawakedrau Named Most Improved
Cilia Tawakedrau wept as she imagined her father, the late Samuela Vuruna, waving from the crowd as she proudly donned the Police uniform at Nasese yesterday for her passing-out parade.
The former Labasa Sangam College student wished her father was alive to witness her become a Police officer.
The 22-year-old said losing her father last year was one of the hardest times of her life.
She was awarded the Commandant’s Book Prize for most progressive recruit.
This award is for a recruit who had shown gradual improvements from the beginning of the Basic Recruitment Course towards the end of the course.
Cilia hails from Nasinu Village in Navatu, Cakaudrove and shares maternal links to Naivuruvuru Village in Verata, Tailevu.
“My father was always proud of me and he was the one that motivated me to join the Police Force and if only he could see me wearing this uniform today,” Cilia said.
“We were not expecting my dad to leave us early and he passed away in June, 2021 and a few weeks later my name came out for recruitment and it was an emotional day for me because this was his dream.
“I dedicate my award to my dad and my mum. Despite the challenges I faced during the course, I knew that I had to work hard to be one of the recruits passing out today.”
Cilia said she would not have achieved the Commandant’s Book Prize if it was not for her family.
“I will always be grateful to my family for their support, especially my aunts and it means a lot to me,” she said.
“I see my relatives proud of me and I am happy that they are here. We have a lot of Police officers in my family but I am the first female Police officer.
“There were times during the training that I wanted to give up, but the thought of my father motivated me and I told myself to hang on because this was for my dad.
“I walked out a different person compared to when I first arrived. I’m looking forward to my posting.”