In the natural setting of the Sigurtà Garden Park, the ceremony for the presentation of epaulettes took place for over 200 students of the 229th course of the Police Officers’ School of Peschiera. The event marked a significant milestone for the future police officers, who, after six months of training, became probationary agents. The day, attended by hundreds of family members and friends, was held in one of the most renowned parks in Europe, located just a few kilometers from the school on the Lake Garda.
The Welcome and the Significance of the Day
Giuseppe Inga Sigurtà, the owner of the Park, welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he emphasized that the epaulettes are not mere ornaments, but “ancient symbols rooted in a centuries-old tradition of loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice.” He also shared a personal memory from his military service in the Carabinieri, highlighting the value of the promise made to the country. Sigurtà then drew a parallel between the care required for the garden and that needed for the community: “The Sigurtà Garden Park is a metaphor for society: it requires care, balance, and constant dedication, just like the community you will be called to serve.”
The Symbolic Value of the Epaulettes
Dr. Girolamo Lacquaniti, deputy of the Chief of Police in Verona, elaborated on the meaning of the ornament, whose name has Arabic-Spanish origins meaning “cord, lasso.” Lacquaniti explained that the epaulettes represent “a bond not only with our community, but a bond with all police officers who wear the uniform”. He defined this bond as “indissoluble,” connecting the agents not only to the territory they will serve but also to all those who have come before them.
Institutional Voices
Several authorities attended the ceremony, including the Councilor of the Municipality of Verona, Elisa La Paglia, and the Councilor of the Municipality of Valeggio sul Mincio, Bruna Bigagnoli. The Deputy Prefect of Verona, Marco De Rosa, urged the young officers to “never back down in the face of dangers,” while ensuring that the community sees them as defenders. Gianpaolo Trevisi, director of the Police School of Peschiera, thanked the Park for its hospitality, calling the ceremony “the most beautiful of all.” In his speech, he wanted to remember Carabiniere Carlo Legrottaglie and the two police officers Massimiliano and Davide Turazza, who lost their lives in service.
A Time-Honored Bond
The collaboration between the Sigurtà Garden Park and the law enforcement agencies is not an isolated event. In the past, the Police School of Peschiera has taken an oath on the Great Grass Carpet of the Park. More recently, last winter, the students participated in the planting of the “tulips of memory.” Additionally, on March 8, 2025, during the seasonal opening, the garden hosted the Memorial Day organized by the Autonomous Police Union.
Italian Version
