St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (October 6, 2020) The Department of Health would like to recognize Norbin Felix, Jr. who graduated today from the Virgin Islands Police Department’s police academy as an Enforcement Officer.
Felix began working at the Department of Health in 2004 as an Office Aide in the Office of the Commissioner. During his time working as an office aide he volunteered with the Environmental Health division. This sparked his interest in working in Environmental Health. In 2017, the opportunity to work with division arose. Once hired as a health inspector, Felix attended several trainings provided by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) that were offered to fortify his knowledge as a health Inspector.
In late 2019, the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Director Wanson Harris approached him to gauge his interest in becoming an Enforcement Officer for the Environmental Health Division. Felix knew right away that it was something he would be very interested in.
On January 13, 2020 he began his training with the Virgin Islands Police Department academy and according to Felix, “9 months later I can say I have made it. I am a Law Enforcement Officer that is willing to serve my island.” Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) consists of over 800 hours. Felix graduated on Friday along with 19 other recruits.
Felix, in all his glee, added, “I would like to first off thank God almighty, my wife and family, Department of Health staff, training academy staff and everybody else who has helped me along my journey.”
Felix noted that the training experience was not easy. “It was challenging on my body, my mind, and on my family. Then came COVID-19. The pandemic prolonged what should have been 6 months of training,” he added.
Director Wanson Harris had encouraging words for Felix and other graduates. “The mind is without fear, bold and confident and it can win over any battle; no matter how tough the situation is, you never step back from taking the challenge. Be the same always and go ahead in your life. Congratulations,” Harris said.
