By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – In a formal ceremony held at the Administration Building in Harper City, Maryland County, Col. Moses Tamba Sepoh II was inducted as the new regional police commander for Region 5, covering Maryland, River Gee, and Grand Kru Counties. The event was overseen by Maryland County Superintendent Hon. Henry B. Cole, who officiated the induction, marking the end of Col. McCarthy Chelerk’s long-standing service as he retired from duty.
The induction ceremony, which drew an impressive crowd of dignitaries, featured representatives from Partners in Health, The Cavalla Rubber Corporation/Maryland Oil Palm Plantation, Civil Society, Joint Security, the Business Community of Maryland County, and various religious and community groups, including the Muslim and Christian communities, as well as the disabled and Fula communities.
During his induction speech, Superintendent Cole emphasized the importance of respect, coordination, and adherence to the rule of law in law enforcement. He expressed optimism about the leadership change, stating, “Today is a very important day in the history of Maryland County. As you are aware, law enforcement is a call to duty, and as such, we expect nothing less from professional officers other than respect, coordination, and the rule of law.”
Superintendent Cole also reminded the assembled officers of their role as protectors and friends of the public, encouraging them to uphold their duties with integrity and compassion. “A police officer is somebody who citizens can rely on for protection, as a friend. I’m sure that they are aware of their functions and the manner in which they must fulfill their duty,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement, Superintendent Cole highlighted issues such as inadequate logistics, mobility constraints, and resource limitations. He called on partners and citizens alike to support the security sector, stressing the need for improved operational capacity.
In his first address as regional commander, Col. Moses Tamba Sepoh II expressed his gratitude to the Liberia National Police for entrusting him with this responsibility. He pledged to lead with integrity and professionalism, while working closely with communities to address security challenges.
“As we gather here today, let us remember the core values that define our service: integrity, professionalism, and compassion. These principles must guide our actions as we strive to build trust within the communities we serve,” Col. Sepoh stated.
The newly inducted commander emphasized the importance of community engagement, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted the need for law enforcement officers to not only enforce laws but also foster positive relationships with citizens. “Our success will not only be measured by statistics but by the trust and respect we earn from the community,” he said.
Col. Sepoh reaffirmed his commitment to supporting officers in the region and ensuring that their dedication and sacrifices are acknowledged. He also stressed the need for officers to embrace innovation and adaptability, particularly in leveraging new technologies to enhance law enforcement operations.
As part of his speech, Col. Sepoh announced key appointments within the regional command structure, including the appointment of Commander J. Max Roberts as Acting Regional Operations Commander for Region 5, pending final approval.
Mr. Thomas Mawolo, head of Civil Society Organizations in Maryland County, praised the outgoing commander, Col. McCarthy Chelerk, for his quiet yet cooperative leadership. Mawolo also pledged civil society’s continued collaboration with the new leadership, while urging Col. Sepoh to remain steadfast in ensuring citizens’ rights are upheld under the law.
The event marked a significant leadership transition in Region 5’s law enforcement, as stakeholders pledged their support for the new administration.
