Huwadyr Iraqi Police station sets the standard

Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | An Iraqi policeman blocks passage to a crowd of onlookers at a busy market intersection in Huwadyr, Jan. 13. The crowd of onlookers is watching an official ceremony to validate the first Iraqi police station in the Diyala province to meet the security criteria set by the Iraqi government and coalition forces.  

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

01.13.2009

Story by Spc. Opal Vaughn  

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Opal Vaughn
14th Public Affairs Detachment

DIYALA, Iraq - Brig. Gen. Fadan, the deputy Iraqi police chief of Huwadyr, Capt. Bassim, the Huwadyr station captain, a local sheik and coalition forces, held a ceremony to validate the Huwadyr Iraqi police station for being the first in the Diyala province to meet the security criteria set by the Iraqi government and coalition forces, Jan. 13.

"We are holding this ceremony to validate the Huwadyr IP station," Capt. Terry Brown, commander, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

"They have proven that they are fully capable of securing their area of operations on their own without coalition force assistance," Brown stated. "This day is significant in that the IPs have taken great steps forward and showing Iraqi security forces can do just that and keep the safety of their people."

In order to be validated, the criteria set are based on several requirements, according Brown.

"The criteria is based on how the IPs do their book keeping, regular patrols in their AO, how they're securing their environment, dealing with detainees and how they communicate with their chain of command," Brown stated. "We do a lot of joint patrols with the IPs and 202nd MP Co., and doing this allows us to ensure the IPs stay on track toward fulfilling the set criteria."

"We only want to see the IPs succeed," Brown stated. "I'm very grateful that we were able to hold this event, it lets us know we're making significant strides forward in order for the Iraqis to take complete control of their area. I see a bright future for Huwadyr. Hopefully we will be able to limit the coalition forces action in this area but still be able to provide them with the assets to continue to be successful in the area."

After several speeches were made, Bassim addressed the audience of coalition forces and Iraqi police counterparts, thanking them for attending the ceremony. "Thank you all for coming out today," Bassim began, "We will continue to ensure the safety and security of the local people of Huwadyr."

Closing out the ceremony, Capt. Shannon Newell, commander, 202nd Military Police Company, 7-28 Military Police Battalion, presented Fadan and Bassim with a certificate of appreciation for setting the standard for Iraqi police stations, all around the Diyala province.

"We would like to say thank you for all your hard work and the dedication you have made to ensure Huwadyr is a safer place," Newell stated. "This is an important day. You are the first to be validated in the Diyala province and I would hope other IP stations will follow suit. Keep up the good work."

Following the ceremony Fadan, Bassim, a local sheik and Staff Sgt. Robert Everly, a squad leader with 202nd MP Co., cut a cake to officiate the validation and soon after a banquet of traditional Iraqi foods was served.

New Baquba IP station has also met the criteria set by Iraqi security forces and coalition forces and will be validated at a later date.

• Date Taken: 01.13.2009
• Date Posted: 01.18.2009 10:09
• Story ID: 28987
• Location: DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ