Bill renames Hagat Precinct after Pedo Terlaje

A lifelong servant to the people of Guam - a veteran, a police officer, civil defense administrator, mayor and senator, the late Jose "Pedo" Toves Terlaje was a leader who held close and exemplified the HITA legacy of honesty, integrity, trust, and accountability.

To honor and pay tribute to the late Yona senator, a bill that would rename the Hagat Precinct after the man who championed for law enforcement officers, went up for a public hearing Friday.

"He worked tirelessly, improve the quality of life of his constituents demonstrating a level of commitment that inspired many," said his son, Joey.

A U.S. Army Purple Heart veteran, an officer with the Guam Police Department for 18 years, the mayor of Yona from 2001 through 2013, and a two-term senator with the Guam Legislature, the Terlaje has truly led a life of public service, dedicated with every role he's taken on as emotionally expressed by Joey, his oldest son.

And on Friday morning, with the room filled with the Terlaje's wife, kids, 29 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren,  a public hearing was held for Bill 279, introduced by Senator Chris Barnett and co-sponsored by several other lawmakers, it would rename the Hagat Southern Precinct to the Jose T. “Pedo” Terlaje Police Station.

Barnett said, "He leaves a lot of great memories for the people of Guam. He was esteemed leader who fought for our people's Chamorro rights."

As a staunch advocate for Guam's law enforcement officers and a safe community, Terlaje was instrumental in the launch of the Park Police Reserve Program and introducing policies that would better the island and its people.  Looked  to as mentor and someone who inspired public service, it was no surprise the bill received overwhelming support, including from retired GPD chief Paul Suba.

"He was my mentor, when I was going through difficult times when I was at patrol level and up to chief, this gentleman, this fine gentleman helped me in many ways," he said. "He was highly intelligent and well respected among his peers, and people in the community."

Joey Terlaje added, "Let us honor my dad’s contributions and ensure his legacy continues to inspire everyone and for the next generation to come."

How fitting a tribute for a man who gave it his all and with all his heart.