Vaitown, Morovia, Liberia – Fortune, it is said, often smiles on the prepared. There is also the often-quoted Liberian parable which says, give a man his flowers while he is still alive, for him to better appreciate it. Such was the case with Liberia National Police (LNP) Captain Alfred Boley when a group of young Liberian professionals led by security expert Edward M. Johnson presented a brand new motorbike to Capt. Boley as a show of appreciation for his dedication to duty.
Over the years, Captain Boley has been a regular fixture between the Vaitown/Waterside roundabout, always immaculately attired, directing and monitoring the flow of traffic. Rain or shine, Capt. Boley can be seen positioned at the intersection, keenly observing, as assigned patrolmen direct the traffic.
During the official turning over ceremony on Friday, July 30, Mr. Edward Johnson expressed thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to make “The Alfred Project” a reality, noting that he honoree deserves the recognition because he served his country for many years, and thus as a show of appreciation, it was only befitting that he receives an honor.
“Our honoree is a dedicated servant to the general public. Having served our country for many years, this symbol of appreciation is a huge motivator and recognition of his hard work and commitment,” Mr. Johnson stated.
Expressing the reason that led him to initiate “The Alfred Project”, Edward Johnson told Punch FM/TV Online Service that he was motivated to undertake the initiative due to his passion for encouraging earnest labor.
“This gentleman was selected due to his hard work and his love for his profession which is observed through his commitment and dedication to duty. Liberians need to cultivate a culture of professionalism and be focused on whatever they do because they do not know who may be watching them as they may be rewarded,” he stated.
The honoree, for his part, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative undertaken by a group of dedicated young Liberians to honor him for his service to country. “I just do my job in a professional manner, least expecting what happened today,” Captain Boley enthused.
Pedestrians who witnessed the honoring ceremony expressed happiness over the act of kindness, saying this is what other Liberians should do for public servants that serve well.
“I myself I am a kehkeh driver but my kehkeh is in the garage today. Captain Boley is one of the few police officers who doesn’t harass drivers. The man deserves it,” Jusufu Kamara told this outlet.
“The people who gave him this brand new bike, God will bless them. This is something we don’t see happening in this society,” Kamara continued.
Edward Johnson, who launched “The Alfred Project” few months ago, is a professional security expert with a degree in Criminal Justice. Trained by the United Nations as a professional security expert, Johnson once worked within the national security setup. He considers himself a humanist, social Justice advocate, and a realistic political optimist. He is married with three children.
