Formentera has recognised the dedication and professional work of its Local Police at the 2026 Gala de la Policía Local, an event highlighting officers' response to emergencies as well as the collaboration of other security and public services across the island.

The ceremony was held with the participation of Formentera Council President Óscar Portas and Local Police chief Félix Ramos, who both praised the commitment of the force and the additional demands placed on officers during exceptional situations.

Recognition for Emergency Interventions

One of the main parts of the ceremony focused on two emergency interventions involving cardiorespiratory arrests.

Officer Pilar D. C. received two Medals of the Cross for Police Merit with Green Distinction for her interventions on July 6 and August 17, 2026.

Officer José Antonio P. E. also received the same distinction for his intervention on August 17.

According to the information presented at the ceremony, the rapid response of the officers and the resuscitation procedures they carried out helped keep the affected people alive until medical services arrived.

Police chief Félix Ramos highlighted the importance of officers being prepared to make critical decisions during the first minutes of a medical emergency.

Recognition for an Intervention in Es Pujols

Three officers, Antonio J. C. T., Alexis T. Y. and Shariff R. L., received a municipal public commendation for their intervention in Es Pujols on July 17.

According to the reported details, the officers detected what they considered suspected activity related to drug trafficking. Their intervention resulted in the arrest of a person described as the suspected perpetrator and the removal of various substances from the public highway.

The case was reported as a suspected offence and the individuals involved should therefore not be considered guilty unless that is subsequently established through the judicial process.

Recognition Across the Emergency and Security Services

The ceremony also highlighted the cooperation between Formentera's Local Police and other services.

Manuel Hernández Núñez was recognised for his career leading the National Police in the Pitiusas, his public-service commitment and his cooperation with Formentera's police.

The Local Police of Santa Eulària des Riu also received a commemorative plaque for its support during the DANA emergency of October 11, 2025.

Officers from Santa Eulària had travelled to Formentera to assist with a sporting event that was subsequently cancelled. They remained on the island to support the emergency response instead.

The Formentera Council's Lifeguard and Rescue Service was also recognised for its work protecting people on the island's beaches and contributing to public safety.

Special Recognition for the Solar Eclipse Operation

The August 12 solar eclipse was another focus of the ceremony.

The two people responsible for coordinating the special police operation received a surprise recognition for their involvement in the preparation and organisation of the security operation.

The event required months of preparation and coordination between different administrations, emergency services and security forces because of the large number of people expected to gather on the island to observe the eclipse.

President Óscar Portas used the occasion to thank officers for continuing to work while much of the island was focused on the astronomical event.

He also highlighted the response of the different emergency and security services during the recent search for a child who had disappeared for several hours, as well as the involvement of local residents who joined the search effort.

A Call for More Resources

Alongside the praise, the ceremony also highlighted the additional workload carried by Formentera's Local Police.

Félix Ramos stressed the importance of the force's cohesion, flexibility and availability in responding to the island's needs. He argued that the extraordinary effort required from officers should be accompanied by appropriate recognition and resources.

Portas similarly said that the Council's institutional support should accompany the officers' commitment, including continued improvements to organisation and resources.

Recognising the Work Behind the Uniform

The 2026 gala ended with recognition for the entire Local Police workforce, administrative staff and the other services that work alongside the force.

Veteran officers and the families of serving officers were also acknowledged for their contribution and support.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph involving the officers, recognised individuals and authorities, marking a day focused not only on individual interventions but on the wider role of Formentera's Local Police in emergency response, public safety and everyday community life.