The Alicante Guardia Civil celebrated the 182nd anniversary of its founding yesterday, Wednesday May 13th, with an official institutional event. Presided over by Colonel Francisco Poyato Sevillano, head of the Command, the ceremony involved the presentation of awards to both veteran and active-duty officers to commemorate the establishment of the force in 1844.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Government sub-delegate for the province, Manuel Pineda, and the Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala. According to a statement from the armed institute, veteran officers, including those in reserve and retirement, were among the central figures of the day. Ten officers who moved into reserve or retirement status over the last year were given special mentions in recognition of their dedicated service throughout their professional careers.
Furthermore, 25 officers were decorated with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Guardia Civil with white distinction. Amongst the recipients was Captain Juan Company Pérez, the former head of the Citizen Security Unit of the Alicante Command (Usecic), a unit specialising in operational intervention across the province. Captain Company Pérez, who joined as a student officer 32 years ago and is currently serving as the second-in-command of the Territorial Company of Ibi, addressed the attendees to congratulate his fellow veterans and award winners.
A poignant tribute was also paid to 96-year-old retired officer Antonio Cabello Jurado. Having joined the force in 1951 and eventually reaching the rank of captain, he was presented with a diploma, a trophy, and copies of historical documents from his career sourced from the General Archive of the Ministry of the Interior.
The ceremony, held at the Alicante Command, coincided with the exact anniversary of the foundation of the Guardia Civil on May 13th. During his speech, the Colonel offered a special remembrance for officers Jerónimo and Germán, who died in the line of duty in Huelva on 8 May, noting that they had given their lives in service.
