President Sarkissian handed state awards and congratulated on the occasion of Police Day

On the occasion of Police Day, by the decree of the President of Armenia a group of policemen were awarded honorary ranks and state awards for the strengthening of the legal system, contribution to the preservation of public order, and dedication to the service.

The award-handing ceremony took place today at the Presidential Palace.

The President congratulated policemen present at the ceremony and in their person all employees of the Republic’s police system on the occasion of Police Day. He noted in particular that the law enforcement system is a pillar of the state while the police is the most important part of it and its axis.

“By choosing the profession of a policeman, you have chosen to serve law and order, to maintain law and order, the difficult path of serving the state and its citizens,” the President said and noted that even though the key words, which characterize their work are simple – to defend, to protect, to assist, and support – they are comprehensive. “More than these words, important today are your work and actions,”

Armen Sarkissian underscored. “You do everything to uphold the rule of law in the country, especially through the fight against corruption and crime in general. You are doing it so that every citizen of Armenia and the guests of our country feel safe in their homes, on the streets, towns and villages, and in our Fatherland in general. Serving the Fatherland, serving the law, I am confident that you do realize your personal responsibility before our country, our society, and our nation, because unlike other state structures you cannot look impatiently at the watch and wait for the moment to go home. You understand and realize that your work continues even when you take off your uniform, when you’re at home or on the streets, far away from your working place.

In a sense, you are in uniform even when you’re not wearing it, and this has great significance.” President Sarkissian noted that policemen not only enforce law but are also border troops of a kind. During the Artsakh Liberation War and April military actions, those serving in the police fulfilled their duty before the Fatherland and the people with great honor. Today too, police force participates in the defense of our borders. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to you all, to the structure and to bow to the memory of the patriotic and dedicated policemen who sacrificed their lives to defend and protect the Fatherland,” President Sarkissian said. “Eternal glory to them, memories about these people should for years, for ages become the guidelines in your work life.”

The President once again congratulated employees of the police force and the whole structure on the occasion of Police Day and on receiving awards and wished them good health, success, and safe duty.