Vitebsk police celebrated its 99th anniversary in August

On August 15, the Vitebsk police celebrated their 99th anniversary. This date is determined by historical events, as, by the decree of the Vitebsk Governorate Executive Committee dated July 15, 1918, the Department of Internal Affairs and Local Self-Government that existed under the Governorate Executive Committee was renamed the Department of Administration. And on August 15, the Governorate Police Administration was separated from the Department of Administration as a sub-department of the Department of Administration of the Vitebsk Governorate Executive Committee. Bёme Leonid Kazimirovich was appointed Head of the Governorate Police Administration.

In its almost century-long journey, the history of the Vitebsk region police has encompassed much: periods of formation and development, glorious victories, and the bitterness of losses of combat comrades. Public order protection agencies have changed their names: from people's guard and Soviet workers' and peasants' militia to the police of the Republic of Belarus. Regardless of how time and the political situation have changed, the main task for the police has always been the priority of maintaining law and order, ensuring legality, and protecting every citizen from criminal encroachments.

Through their work, service, and fulfillment of their civic and professional duty, the employees of the Vitebsk police have earned the highest trust and respect of the people in the republic.

Traditionally, on this day, a garrison briefing is held, in which police officers of the Vitebsk garrison, veterans, and numerous guests take part.

Today, 10 young law enforcement officers took the solemn oath of allegiance to their people and their Fatherland before the ranks of their comrades. Congratulatory remarks were made by the acting head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee, Police Colonel Dmitry Rezenkov, the chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Veterans Organization of Internal Affairs and Internal Troops, Vasily Ivanyushchenko, and Father Alexander, a clergyman of the Church of St. Basil the Great, who consecrated the police officers and blessed them for their military service.

Vitebsk police officers received well-deserved awards on this day. Major of Militia Oksana Rybakova, an inspector of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Public Security Police of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, was awarded the state award – the medal "For Impeccable Service" of the III degree. Senior Lieutenant of Militia Alexander Tevelev, a district police inspector of the Pervomaisky District Department of Internal Affairs, and Ensign of Militia Vitaly Kovalyov, a police driver of the special purpose police unit of the Internal Affairs Directorate, were awarded the badge "For Dedicated Service" of the II degree. Sergeant of Militia Rustam Kazakevich, a police officer of the special purpose police unit of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, was awarded a Certificate of Honor of the Commander of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

By order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the special rank of Lieutenant Colonel of Militia was awarded to Yuri Sumin, commander of a company of the patrol and post service of the public security police of the Orsha District Department of Internal Affairs. Lieutenant of Militia shoulder boards were solemnly presented to Denis Zborovsky, Irina Streltsova, Artur Gayko, Kirill Gunko, and Alexey Prishchepov. The rank of Junior Lieutenant of Militia and corresponding shoulder boards were awarded to Alexander Zhandarev and Artur Vidovich.

A number of employees were awarded Certificates of Honor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee for high performance in their service activities.

For assisting in perpetuating the memory of employees of the internal affairs bodies of the Republic of Belarus, Azat Nicogosovich Torosyan, a sculptor, member of the Belarusian Union of Artists, and creator of the memorial complex for employees who died in the line of duty of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, was awarded the badge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs "For Contribution".

On this day, veterans also received well-deserved awards. For promoting the activities of the internal affairs bodies and active participation in the training of personnel, retired Police Colonels Leonid Titov and Alexander Dlugash, and retired Police Lieutenant Colonels Svetlana Khodosevich and Svetlana Asvetinskaya were awarded the badge "For Merit".

The festive event concluded with a ceremonial march.

Official website of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.