San Bartolomé de Tirajana recognizes the exemplary work of its Local Police at the official ceremony for the Patron Saint

The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council today held the official ceremony honoring and recognizing the Local Police, as part of the program planned for the feast day of the force's patron saint. The ceremony brought together civil and military authorities, representatives from various security and emergency services, members of the City Council, family members, and residents who wished to support those being honored.

 

 

The event featured three main institutional speeches: one by the Chief Commissioner of the Local Police, Isidro Armas; another by the Councilor for Security and Emergencies; and a closing address by the mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez, who presided over the ceremony. Each speaker offered a complementary perspective on the significance of police service and the force's progress over the past year.

 

The Commissioner highlights the dedication and operational complexity of the service

 

In his speech, Commissioner Isidro Armas reviewed the main challenges and achievements of the past year, emphasizing that “being a Local Police officer means being there when others are resting, acting when fear arises, and protecting when vulnerability appears.”

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Armas emphasized the internal cohesion and the importance of teamwork to sustain an increasingly demanding service, highlighting the activity of the different units —VioGén, Atestados, Operativa, Bienestar Animal, Playas, Seguridad Ciudadana and Administration— as well as the advances in technology and the incorporation of new agents.

 

His message was marked by recognition of the corps' perseverance and the need to adapt to new social and operational scenarios, including conflict prevention on social media and strengthening early detection.

 

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies emphasizes institutional coordination

 

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies stressed the importance of collaboration between administrations and police forces, recalling that the municipality leads the Canary Islands in the celebration of major events —International Carnival, Pride, Three Kings Parade, concerts and festivals— which require meticulous planning and impeccable security.

 

In his speech he highlighted that “security has become a differentiating value of the municipality thanks to the professionalism, effort and coordination of all the services involved”

 

The councilor also conveyed institutional recognition to the union representatives of the Local Police and to the professionals in municipal technical areas, whose silent work is crucial to the effectiveness of the security measures.

 

Presentation of special awards and recognitions

 

During the ceremony, the awards established in this week's municipal decree were presented.

 

Gold Medal of the municipality and retirement plaque

•  Mr. Carmelo Zerpa Gutiérrez, in recognition of a lifetime of exemplary service.

 

Permanent Service Badges

  Distinctive Cross for 25 years:

• Agent Alexis Quintana Peña
• Agent Jorge Quintero Guzmán

 

  Distinctive Commendation for 30 years:

• Officer Dámaso García Godoy

 

  Commemorative plaque for 35 years:

• Agent Orlando Romero Muñoz
• Agent Salvador Miguel Gómez Martel

 

Recognition of collaborating entities and individuals

 

• Luis Ignacio Santamaría Sánchez-Arévalo, National Police Inspector
• José Manuel Santana Castellano, Municipal New Technologies Area
• Juan Cruz González, Canary Islands Tourist Attractions
•  Lopesan Hotel Group

 

A body in continuous transformation

 

Both the Commissioner and the councilor agreed to highlight the progress and modernization of the Local Police: more officers, new commanders, investments in vehicles, equipment and technology, in addition to specialized units that have become a regional benchmark, such as VioGÉN and Animal Welfare.

 

The promotion of the Drone Unit, the improvement of road safety, the prevention of alcohol consumption while driving, and the strengthening of administrative actions were some of the achievements cited at the event.

 

The mayor closes the event with a message of recognition and commitment

 

Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez brought the ceremony to a close by highlighting the work of the Local Police It is one of the municipality's greatest sources of pride, and public service "can only be understood from ethical responsibility, closeness and humanity”

 

The mayor expressed his special gratitude to the officers' families—"silent pillars that sustain the police vocation"—and to the distinguished organizations for their collaboration. He also emphasized that the safety of a tourist municipality like San Bartolomé de Tirajana demands professionalism, coordination, and a constant capacity for adaptation. The mayor concluded by noting that "public service is the backbone of a just society, and those who perform it are the silent guardians of our coexistence," congratulating all those honored and wishing everyone a happy holiday season.