Top members of security forces honored

The honorees covered the bulk of the nation’s demographic tapestry in terms of gender, race, minorities and religion.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN sits between Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (left) and Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Roni Alsheich at a ceremony held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday. (photo credit: MARC NEYMAN/GPO)
PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN sits between Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (left) and Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Roni Alsheich at a ceremony held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
(photo credit: MARC NEYMAN/GPO)
Members of four security forces whose jobs fall under the Public Security Ministry received citations for excellence at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the President’s Residence.
Singled out for recognition were members of the Israel Police, the Prisons Service, the National Firefighting and Rescue Authority and the Witness Protection Authority.
The honorees covered the bulk of the nation’s demographic tapestry in terms of gender, race, minorities and religion. Aside from representatives of different religions per se, the Jewish representatives ran the gamut: haredi (ultra-Orthodox), secular, Sephardi, Ashkenazi, urban and rural.
President Reuven Rivlin, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and Police Commissioner Insp.- Gen. Roni Alsheich each noted that without the courage and dedication of the people working in these four entities, citizens would not be able to live their lives freely and safely.
Addressing an auditorium packed with the spouses, children and parents of the honorees, Rivlin commented that sometimes the struggles of security personnel are against human forces and sometimes against the forces of nature. Either way, he observed, to be part of the public security services is a constant challenge, without regular hours but with the alertness, flexibility and responsibility to instantly respond to the evolving needs of the moment.
Here, he mentioned that one of the honorees had entered a burning house to save the lives of children who were trapped inside.
Inasmuch as law enforcement officials need courage, they must also have sensitivity, said Rivlin referring to the recent evacuation of the Amona outpost.
People in fire-fighting and rescue units are trained for land, sea and sky operations.
Both Rivlin and Erdan paid tribute to men and women who have lost their lives in their efforts to safeguard the security of the civilian population or in rescue missions.