The Judiciary successfully conducted its Second Annual NMI Judiciary Firearms Competition on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS) Shooting Range in Marpi, Saipan. The event brought together not only judiciary law enforcement officers, but other court employees, family members, and friends to participate in and spectate a display of marksmanship skills, safety, and professionalism.
Judiciary Firearms Competition participants, committee members, and volunteers gathered at the DPS Shooting Range in Marpi on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The competition, which has grown since its inception last November, highlighted the importance of maintaining high levels of competency and preparedness within the Judiciary’s security services, ensuring public safety and confidence in the judicial process.
“The competition was fierce and designed so that there could only be one winner. There is no prize for second place, and this year’s competition was a success,” expressed the Committee Chairman, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho. “The competition is open to Judiciary law enforcement officers as well as Judiciary civilian employees with valid firearms licenses. This year, we had twenty-one competitors, eight of whom were women. We are already planning for next year’s competition,” Judge Camacho explained.
Judiciary Law Enforcement Officers prepare for the 2nd Annual NMI Judiciary Firearms Competition during warm-ups.
This year’s competition featured a total of ten rounds, including a semi-final round and a championship round which featured the highly anticipated dueling tree. The different rounds consisted of various distances, time-limitations, and challenges, testing the competitor’s ability to perform under pressure, and with accuracy, speed, and dexterity.
In addition to the competition, the event provided a platform for camaraderie and knowledge-sharing among participants, fostering a stronger sense of community within the third branch of government.
The “Top Gun” winner of this year’s competition, Chief Marshal Jason Tarkong, was recognized at the Judiciary’s 2024 Annual Professional Development Summit and was awarded a certificate, special prize, and a perpetual plaque engraved with his name and division. The plaque will be displayed in the hall of the Guma Hustisia Atrium for years to come.
Drug Court Division (DCD) Compliance Officer Dustin Pangelinan, who was a returning competitor and committee member, conveyed that all the competitors remained humble and gained confidence competing against one another. “The number of women participating in the competition doubled from last year and even included a member of the bench. I hope that next year brings more competitors so that awareness of firearm safety can continue to spread,” said Officer Pangelinan.
DCD Caseworker Kimiko Tenorio-Roppul, a new competitor and one of the eight women in this year’s competition, revealed that she was filled with both excitement and nerves before her competition debut. “I didn’t anticipate how intense the competition would be, but it only made the experience more rewarding. Ultimately, I had an amazing time and felt inspired by the strength and determination of my fellow female competitors.”
The 2024 NMI Judiciary Firearms Competition Committee extends its appreciation to the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Services for their presence at the competition and for their readiness to provide medical assistance in the case of an emergency.
The Committee would also like to thank all the competition participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible. This competition is just one of many ways the Judiciary continues to support the development of our personnel and the maintenance of the highest standards of safety and security. Without the efforts of the participants, volunteers and sponsors, the event would not have been success. The NMI Judiciary Firearms Competition is expected to remain a regular highlight in the Judiciary’s annual calendar moving forward.
Chief Marshal Jason Tarkong and Probation Officer Timothy Cruz aim for their targets during the Semi-Finals Round of the 2nd Annual NMI Judiciary Firearms Competition.
First-time Competitor Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio shoots at her target while Deputy Marshall III Jesus Santos observes and provides encouragement at the Judiciary Firearms Competition.
Budget and Finance Office Accountant Shanna Flores, 1 of 8 women in the Judiciary Firearms Competition, focuses on her target before firing.
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