Monrovia — Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman on Thursday, October 9 night led a candlelight vigil in Monrovia for a Liberia National Police officer fighting for his life in intensive care after responding to a call for help, urging unity, faith and resolve in a speech titled “A Light Still Burning.”
“He did what every good officer would do—he ran toward the danger to save others,” Coleman told the crowd, praising the officer’s “courage and bravery.” “In that single act, he reminded us of what true service means: to put others before self, to protect without hesitation, and to stand firm even when the world turns dark.”
As candles flickered, the police chief said the vigil was both a show of solidarity and a prayer for recovery. “As we hold these candles, we are not only lighting the night—we are sending strength, prayers and love his way,” he said. Each flame, he added, represented “a collective heart refusing to give up, a whispered promise that ‘you are not alone—together we can build our nation, Liberia.’”
Coleman offered assurances to the officer’s family that the Liberia National Police stands with them, and called on officers to let the moment renew their oath. “Serve with honor, even when it costs us everything,” he said.
The Inspector General grounded the vigil in faith and optimism. “We believe in miracles. We believe in the strength of the human spirit,” he said, expressing confidence that “the same courage that led the officer into danger will guide him back to recovery.”
“We light these candles not as symbols of sorrow but as beacons of faith—that our brother will rise again, that his light will continue to shine, and that together we will stand guard over him until he stands again among us,” Coleman said.
He closed with a direct appeal: “Stay strong, Officer. Your light still burns, and we will not let it go out. We’re in this fight for a better Liberia—together.”
Officials did not release further details about the incident or identify the officer during the vigil.
