BPS Women's Advisory Network - Palau

👮‍♀️✨ Happy Police Week 2025! ✨👮‍♂️

Extending our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to all our courageous brothers and sisters in blue in Palau and around the region. Thank you for your service, dedication, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Special shoutout to all the Mommas in Blue, the mothers who serve with strength, compassion, and resilience both at home and on the frontlines. Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing you all a blessed week of recognition and reflection!

Shoutout to our male champions, Det. Sgt. Sabino Kyota, Jr. and Sgt. Jason Brel, for representing Palau at the Micronesian Investigations Module Workshop at the AFP Pinkenba Training Centre in Brisbane from December 9-12, 2024! 🌏👮‍♂️

This workshop introduced the Investigation Module Model, endorsed by the Pacific Police Training Advisory Group, focusing on delivering foundation-level investigative training through a 'train the trainer' approach to be implemented within their jurisdictions.

Participants also engaged in a regional discussion on illicit drug and alcohol issues, with presentations from each country. The knowledge and insights they bring back will not only strengthen their work but also serve as valuable contributions to the BPS Women's Advisory Network as we continue to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the department. 💙👏

14 police participants from Palau, Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Marshall Islands, including Det Sgt Sabino Kyota, Jr. and Sgt Jason Brel, participated in the Micronesian Investigations Module Workshop at the AFP Pinkenba Training Centre in Brisbane from 9-12 December 2024. The week introduced participants to a training model which provides ongoing training and support of police trainers in the Pacific. The week also provided a discussion day on illicit drug and alcohol issues in the region with presentations from each countries representatives. Josie Abrego from US Homeland Security Investigations and Samantha DeNardis, Attache to the US Embassy Australia from the US Drug Enforcement Agency also attended and shared their valuable experience, knowledge and insights

Congratulations to one of our Male Champions! 🥳

The BPS Women’s Advisory Network proudly celebrates DET LT Lebuu Gibbons on his remarkable achievement in graduating from the 292nd session of the FBI National Academy. Your dedication, leadership, and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire us all.

We extend our gratitude to the FBI for their invaluable partnership and support, including initiatives like the recent "Indo-Pacific Leadership Forum: Women in Leadership" in collaboration with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), held last July in Palau—empowering our organization and driving meaningful progress.

As they say, “Behind every successful man is a strong woman.” We also thank DET LT Gibbons’ partner, Desiree Ngirameked, for her steadfast support throughout this journey.

DET LT Gibbons is the 4th officer in our department to attend and successfully graduate from FBI National Academy, following the achievements of late Police Director Kaoru Brel, DET LT W***y Mays Towai and SGT Recheked Recheked. This milestone reflects not only personal triumph but also the power of collective support and a shared vision for excellence. Congratulations once again—we look forward to your continued contributions to our organization and community!

Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy

Koror, Palau - On Friday, December 13, 2024, Director Curtis T. Elobt, Bureau of Public Safety, announced that Detective Lieutenant Lebuu N. Gibbons has graduated as a member of the 292nd session of the FBI National Academy.

The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on December 12, 2024. Detective Lieutenant Gibbons is the fourth officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 292nd session had 257 law enforcement officers from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam as well as Palau and about 26 other countries, eight military organizations, and 5 federal civilian organizations.

“Detective Lieutenant Gibbons’ graduation from the FBI National Academy represents an extraordinary milestone for our agency,” said Director Curtis T. Elobt. “This achievement highlights not only his personal commitment to growth but also the dedication he brings to our community and our team. We are immensely proud of his accomplishment and the knowledge he will bring back to strengthen our department. We also extend our gratitude to the FBI for their invaluable partnership in providing this world-class training opportunity.”

Detective Lieutenant Lebuu N. Gibbons has proudly served with the Bureau of Public Safety for nearly seven years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and professionalism. Born and raised in Palau, he is the proud son of Ngiraikelau Francisco Gibbons and Dirraikelau Lalii Gibbons, whose values and unwavering support have been instrumental in his success. Balancing a demanding career, he shares his life with his partner, Desiree Ngirameked, whose encouragement and support have also been vital to his achievements, along with their beloved fur-child, Haru. Specializing in criminal investigations, Detective Lieutenant Gibbons has played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s investigative practices and training standards. His
dedication and accomplishments have earned recognition both locally and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a respected leader in law enforcement.

About the Bureau of Public Safety:
The Bureau of Public Safety is committed to ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of the people of Palau. Its mission is to deliver professional, accountable, and community-focused law enforcement services while fostering a safe and secure environment for all. BPS places a strong emphasis on advancing the skills and expertise of its officers through continuous training and development, ensuring they are equipped to provide the highest quality policing services to its community.

About the FBI National Academy:
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 55,797 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special
agents and intelligence analysts.

PC: FBINAA

Triple Duty Triumph! ⚡️

We may be a little late to the party, but our cheers are no less loud for our brothers and sisters in blue who went above and beyond the call of duty, not once, not twice, but triple the fun!

These dedicated officers not only keep our communities safe, but also embraced the island spirit, doubling as cultural ambassadors, sharing Palau's rich heritage with the world in vibrant cultural performances at the 13th FesPac in Hawaii. They also showcased their athletic prowess, competing with heart for Palau at the 10th Micronesian Games in the Marshall Islands.

Shout out to our main girl & Administrative Officer, Portiana Franz & her team for bringing in the gold!

And a mighty Hoorah! to our squad of talented athletes, games officials, and cultural ambassadors: LT Francis Tkel, SGT Sabino Kyota Jr., Officer Aldan Llecholch, Officer JT Timarong, Officer Kabe Rdiall, Officer CJ Olkeriil, Officer Obak Mad, Officer Benedict Kintaro, Officer Humio Kebekol, and Officer Stonn Adachi.

You've shown true strength, dedication, and a deep love for Palau, both on and off the field (or court!) 🥳💙👮👮‍♀️🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼

Ahoy there, mateys! ⚓️

Throwing a hearty "Yo ho ho!" to our fearless sister-in-arms, Officer M. Kirong Hideo, who set sail with a crew of supportive brothers-in-arms on board PSS HI Remeliik II to participate in Operation Irensia!

Together with regional partners, they're charting a course for responsible stewardship, ensuring our beautiful blue pacific remains a bountiful inheritance for generations to come.
Salute! 🫡 🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼🇵🇼

Massive shout-out to the USCG & ADF for hosting this activity.

A Spark of Gratitude for Our Supporters! ✨

Though a beat behind schedule, our gratitude is ever-lasting! A heartfelt thank you to the remarkable individuals and organizations who played a vital role in our Inaugural Introductory Session during Police Week 2024!

Your generosity, like a guiding light, allowed us to create a welcoming space for our members to gather and gain a deeper understanding of our organization's mission and origins.

𝗔 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼:

• First Lady Valerie R. Whipps
• Ms. Lei-Lua Watanabe
• The Honorable Nace N. Soalablai
• The Honorable Timothy R. Sinsak
• US Agency for International Development (USAID)
• The Asia Foundation

From the venue's warm embrace to the refreshing energy of customized uniforms and personalized materials, your support nurtured a truly impactful experience for our members. The event ignited an engaging and empowering flame within our network and we are eternally grateful for your partnership in championing women in policing.

Here's to a future ablaze with possibility, where together, we achieve greater things!

• Sharing exciting news from our partners •

🚀 Hold onto your hats, adventurers! 🌟

ONE LEEP, in partnership with the Division of Youth & Career Development and Belau Force International, is about to shake up your summer with an Intercession Day Camp from July 1-5, 2024, at the Meyuns Community Center!

🏕️ Calling all young trailblazers aged 10-17, get ready to dive into a week packed with informational sessions, cultural escapades, and wellness activities that will have you buzzing with excitement! 🎉

Don't miss out on this chance to create memories that last a lifetime. Check out the flyer for all the details and let's make this summer one for the books! 📚

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 🚑👩‍⚕️👨‍🚒

This week May 19 - 25, 2024 is our nationally proclaimed Emergency Medical Services Week.

We would like to express our immense gratitude for our EMS Providers for their services. They sacrifice their lives to save others, put out fires, tend to the injured, healing the sick, and helping others around the clock 24/7.

For every 911 dispatcher, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), ER Doctors and Nurses, and Firefighters, we honor and appreciate you 🙏

Today, a variety of EMS Providers, supporters, and WAN members came out to campaign on the roadside of Didrangmatel Mobil.

We bring you reminders for everyone's safety and well-being 👇

🚗 Wear your Seatbelts
📵 Put your Phone away while driving
🔥 Practice Fire Prevention
🩺 Get trained today for First Aid