This Thursday, October 2nd, the Local Police of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell celebrated, as they do every year, the festivity of the Guardian Angels, patron saints of the police. First, a mass was held at Santa María Magdalena Church, followed by a ceremony to hand out medals and awards, led by Mayor Miguel Ángel García, the Councillor of Citizens’ Security, María José Ivars, and the Chief of the Local Police, José Vicente García.
Firstly, the Council and the Local Police acknowledged the 35 years of service of officers Miguel Ángel Signes and Victor Ruiz with medals. Afterwards, the Chief of Police proceeded to award various commendations and recognitions:
- Miguel Ángel Signes: commendation for his work in the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in DANA.
- Victor Ruiz: commendation for his work in the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in DANA.
- Francisco José Llobell: commendation for his work in the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in DANA.
- José Luis Blanco: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in DANA, commendation for his work in the Blackout operation and recognition from the Benitatxell School Trainers Unit (UFEB).
- Jose Vicente García: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA, commendation for the management and coordination of the Blackout operation, and recognition from the Benitatxell School Trainers Unit (UFEB).
- Raúl Andrés Estalrich: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA, and commendation for his work in the blackout operation.
- Beatriz Navarro: commendation for her work in the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for her participation in the DANA.
- José Luis Esteve: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA, commendation for his work in the Blackout operation and recognition from the Benitatxell School Trainers Unit (UFEB).
- Gabriel Vidilla: commendation for his work during the blackout.
- Rafael Garcerá: commendation for his work during the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA.
- Miriam Ibiza: commendation for her work during the DANA operations and pin from the Ministry of the Interior for her participation in the DANA.
- Antonio López: commendation for the DANA operations, Ministry of the Interior pin for participation in the DANA, commendation for the Blackout operation and recognition by the Benitatxell School Trainers Unit (UFEB).
- Rubén Soto: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA and commendation for his work in the Blackout operation.
- Jesús Hernández: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA and commendation for his work in the Blackout operation.
- Pablo Izquierdo: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA and commendation for his work in the Blackout operation.
- Vicente Lloret: commendation for his work in the DANA operations, pin from the Ministry of the Interior for his participation in the DANA and commendation for his work in the Blackout operation.
Also acknowledged was the participation in the DANA operation and the Ministry’s pin awarded to former Police Chief José Francisco Mayans, who retired from his position in August 2024 after 34 years of service. Medals were also awarded to Arturo Esteve, Aarón Pastor and Vicente Bolufer, members of Civil Protection, for their participation in the Benitatxell School Trainers Unit (UFEB).
Finally, two diplomas were awarded: one for welcoming Miguel Ángel Bisquert to the service, and another to Doctor Serena Mencarelli, who, while off duty, helped to save the life of a swimmer at Moraig Cove thanks to her medical assistance.
The Councillor of Security, María José Ivars, expressed her gratitude in her speech for the work of all the officers, whom she described as ‘the best example of public service: efficient, approachable and courageous’. Much of her speech focused on the DANA. «When we celebrated the last Guardian Angels event, you could not have imagined that a few days later you would be covered in mud in Paiporta in the greatest tragedy in the history of our region. You went there without wasting a minute, leaving El Poble Nou de Benitatxell full of pride.‘ And, six months later, the blackout: ’Whether on duty or not, everyone got to work without hesitation, informing some people, reassuring others and helping everyone who needed it’.
On his behalf, the mayor, Miguel Ángel García, praised the image and work of the police. «Before entering politics, someone once told me that the police were the image of a town. At that time, out of ignorance, I thought they were partly right, but I thought it was excessive. Now, with the experience I have from government, I think it’s totally true. The work you do is the most difficult, because while the rest of us are at home, you are out on the streets at all hours of the day and night, looking after everyone. María José mentioned the DANA, the power cut… the pandemic also came to my mind. What else could happen? Well, whatever happens, knowing that you are there, we will get through it in the best possible way, because you always take care of all of our neighbours.”
