Congressman Faleomavaega Eni has written to Det. Lt. Liusila Brown’s widow expressing his sympathy and condolences for the tragic death of the veteran police officer.

Brown, 44, was fatally shot last Thursday afternoon in front of the temporary High Court building and Siaumau Siaumau Jr. has been charged in the shooting death. Siaumau allegedly admitted to police he carried out the crime, according to a court affidavit.

“It is with a heavy heart that I offer my personal condolences to you, the children and to your family, who have suffered a great loss,” Faleomavaega wrote in a July 27 letter to Mrs. F. Brown.

Brown “was a father, a son, a hero who gave his life for all to live in peace.  His bravery and commitment is an example of why we celebrate our holidays and rejoice in our Thanksgivings for their service and sacrifice for our country,” he wrote.

Faleomavaega expressed deep regrets that he could not be on island to attend funeral service, but he said, “my heart and deep sympathies are with you.”

He said it’s only by accepting the fact that Brown gave his life for what he wanted to do in life, “that we find comfort in how great a sacrifice he has made for all those whom he dearly loved, and for all the values he believed in.”

“One of American Samoa’s finest has fallen… a loyal and dedicated police officer was gunned down in the line of duty. His death signifies the kind of heart that is implanted in every police officer,” he wrote. “His great loss is but a small reflection of how big his love will always be, and how immense his courage had always been.”

While this is an extremely difficult time for the Brown family, Faleomavaega informed Mrs. Brown that “your religious beliefs which Lt. Brown took after, are so strong that you will see this tragedy through in the same spirit of bravery that was with Lt. Brown.”

Funeral services for Brown are pending.

Faleomavaega said Brown has “joined the consecrated rank of heroes from American Samoa who have died in the line of duty, for our peace, safety and protection, so we would always remain the land of the free, for as long as it is the home of the brave.”

In a press statement that accompanied the letter, Faleomavaega says he is greatly concerned, given the alarming increase in drug and arm activities in the territory that have culminated in the death of one police officer and the injury of another.

“My office is always open to assist in requesting help from the federal government if necessary,” he said. “I am sure our government leaders are looking at what’s best to be done, and at the same time, allowing justice to take its course through thorough investigations. I am also sure they will utilize all the available resources to bring this matter to a full closure.”

The FBI has told Samoa News that they stand ready to assist local authorities, if such a request is made.

Faleomavaega said taking the issue further is the next step that must be taken for future purposes.

Stopping the flow of illegal drugs and firearms into the territory must be stepped up through stricter law enforcement, and the revival of family values and traditions are essential, he said.

[It should be noted that American Samoa has some very tough drug laws.]

Faleomavaega said that on his radio program this past weekend 80% of the callers pointed to the deterioration of family values now faced by the territory as the main cause of problems which have resulted in incidents like the shooting of the two police officers, and the involvement of drugs.

He said many of the callers referred to:

•    the lack of supervision of the children by parents;

•    no more evening prayers for many families;

•    no more cultural discipline and proper time management for children, including times at the faifeau’s (church minister) residence;

•    no more presence at village traditional events for familiarization of cultural practices; and

•    too much absence by both parents during family times.

“I know Brown’s family is hurt, and there is so much pain faced by the immediate relatives and friends. There is also shock throughout the territory, and I am sure, throughout all of Samoa because of what happened,” he said.

“I pray for peace and healing in this time of darkness, and I humbly plea for traditional reconciliation among the affected families, to avoid further violence while lawful investigations continue for justice, ” he added.