Benidorm Local Police Celebrate 182nd Anniversary & Honour Valencia Flood Relief Efforts
Benidorm Celebrates 182nd Anniversary of Local Police with Public Displays and Recognition
Benidorm’s Local Police marked its 182nd anniversary on Saturday, , with a series of commemorative events held at the city’s Cultural Center. The celebrations, which included a canine demonstration, an official ceremony and recognition of officers for their service, drew attendance from city officials, regional representatives, and members of other security forces.
The day began with a canine unit demonstration in the hall of the Cultural Center. Officers showcased exercises and simulations focused on detecting dangerous or prohibited substances, as well as responding to incidents of gender-based violence and confronting potentially aggressive protestors.
The official ceremony featured a review of the officers who were to be honored, a total of 86, for their “solidarity” during the severe flooding in Valencia in . Recognition was also given to Rafael Urbano, the former president of the Socio-Cultural Association of the Local Police, and Rosario López, upon her retirement.
During his address, Police Commissioner José Carlos Amorós emphasized the integral role the Local Police play in the city’s history, stating that they are “an inseparable part” of Benidorm. He expressed his “greatest pride” in the officers and acknowledged the contributions of female officers, noting the upcoming celebration of International Women’s Day on .
“The Local Police are proximity, public service, and security,” Amorós said. “We have demonstrated our solvency in situations that a short time ago would have seemed like science fiction.” He also advocated for the “specialization” of police personnel, arguing that the force’s daily actions significantly impact Benidorm’s future and its sense of security.
Amorós stressed the need for continuous updating of skills and sufficient staffing levels, calling for continued investment in the Local Police to bolster both security, and tourism. He expressed a commitment to working diligently and maintaining a close connection to the community, adding, “Today is a special day of recognition because you are an example of solidarity, as you demonstrated during the ‘dana’ [flooding].”
The ceremony also included the presentation of the corporate coin to Pablo Escribano, a corporal in the Spanish Army, and José Ramón Nieto, a chief commissioner from Villarreal, for their “special contribution” to the Benidorm Local Police. The chiefs of police from Paiporta and Albal, Manuel Ocaña and Rafael Blasco, were honored for their commendable work during the 2024 Valencia flooding.
Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez concluded the speeches by reflecting on the city’s vision in 1844 and highlighting the Local Police’s direct involvement in Benidorm’s milestones. He emphasized the force’s consistent proximity to citizens, tourists, and visitors, recognizing their daily work in traffic management, emergency response, event security, and public safety.
Pérez underscored the importance of the Local Police as a “willingness to serve” and praised their “capacity for adaptation to the new challenges” facing the force. He congratulated all those recognized, particularly the 86 officers who responded to the Valencia flooding and the police chiefs from the affected localities.
Finally, the mayor extended his recognition to the families of the officers, acknowledging their “support and understanding,” which he described as “always necessary and fundamental.” He concluded by stating that the anniversary provides an opportunity to look back with determination towards the future. The event concluded with the performance of the anthems of Benidorm, the Valencian Community, and Spain.