Mention the name Asi Blakelock and the first thing that pops up in your mind Police.
Asi Tuiataga Semisi James Blakelock during his tenure as Police Commissioner was the most feared.
No one was and is above the law is the uncompromising principal which made Asi a Commissioner of Police in his own class.
And it’s most fitting for the Government’s Honors Committee to recognize Asi’s 60-year service as an Officer of the Peace with the Companion of the Order of Samoa Award.
Presented to the retired law enforcer during the Governments Honour and Awards 2023 on May 31st to end the yearlong 60th Independence Celebrations, Asi started his public service in 1962, the same year that Samoa gained Independence.
From Police Constable, to Police Sergeant, Senior Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector and eventually Police Commissioner, Asi dedicated 41 years of his life to maintain law, order and peace in Samoa.
Throughout his career, Asi has had extensive training in New Zealand and was a sworn in officer with the New Zealand Police.
He entered the history books by orchestrating the first Police Peace Keeping Force Mission of 45 officers to East Timor.
Today, the Samoa Police Peace Keeping Missions have benefitted the force and officers gaining valuable ground experience complimented by lucrative incomes.
Retiring from the force, he continued as a diplomat for his country as Samoa’s High Commissioner to New Zealand for a decade.
Incidentally the 85-year-old from the villages of Moataa and Ululoloa is a former committee member for the Samoa Honours and Awards in 2017.
In his youth, Mr. Asi Blakelock enjoyed playing rugby and cricket. He also enjoys reading and listening to gospel or country music, and he walks to stay active.
