Father and son legacy in police

It was a proud day at the Bomana National Center of Excellence as 55 cadet officers were commissioned as Inspectors of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary last Friday.

Among them, Inspector Andy Doa from Tambul Nebilyer District of Western Highlands Province shared an emotional salute with his father, Senior Constable Timothy Doa — pledging together their commitment to serve the nation.

The ceremony marked not only the Constabulary’s future leadership, but also the enduring legacy of service carried across generations.

The newly commissioned Inspector, Andy Doa was formerly the Branch Manager for Paradise Breweries in Goroka and joined the Constabulary’s Cadet Program in 2023.

He said his main reason for joining the cadet was to be an agent of change at a time when public confidence in police conduct is under scrutiny.

“The RPNGC’s reputation has been tarnished over the years, and I made a personal choice to improve how the Constabulary is seen by the public and to faithfully serve the country,” he said.

Doa admits the transition was challenging, moving from a management role where he was used to giving orders, to a disciplined environment that demanded listening, following instructions, and adapting to new leadership skills.

For him, the decision is both personal and symbolic: carrying his father’s legacy while striving to restore pride in the Constabulary.

Meanwhile in a moving moment after the ceremony, Senior Constable Timothy Doa, a veteran of 38 years with the Special Services Division received his son with a proud salute as he rose to the rank of Inspector.

He explained that Andy becomes the first child of SSD officers at McGregor Barracks to be granted the Inspector rank, a breakthrough that made him “the proudest man” among his comrades.

“He’s my second born son and the first child of SSD officers to pass out with the rank of Inspector. I am so proud of him,” he said.

Inspector Andy Doa has been posted to public safety in Southern Highlands Province, where he looks forward to the tasks ahead of him.