This morning, on the occasion of the eighty-first anniversary of the death of Giovanni Palatucci, former Quaestor Regent of Fiume, which occurred on 10 February 1945 in the Dachau concentration camp (Germany) at the age of just 36, a commemorative ceremony took place at the Parco delle Rimembranze in Vibo Valentia.
During the ceremony, in the presence of some descendants of the Palatucci family, the Chaplain of the State Police, Don Michele Raniti, offered a short prayer in suffrage, while the Police Commissioner of the Province of Vibo Valentia, Dr. Rodolfo Ruperti placed a floral tribute at the foot of the marble plaque dedicated to the memory of the Official.
Authorities and representatives present
Taking part in the commemoration were the Vicar of the Prefect of the Province of Vibo Valentia, Dr. Roberto Micucci, the Mayor of Vibo Valentia, Dr. Vincenzo Romeo, the Vice President of the Province, Lawyer Domenico Console, the Director of the State Police Officers School, Dr. Pasquale Ciocca, the Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri, Colonel Antonio Parillo, Captain Francesco Issidoro Stassi of the Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza, the Commander of the Fire Brigade, Dr. Ambrogio Ponterio, the President and members of the ANPS of Vibo Valentia, managers, officials and staff of the Police Headquarters, of the Calabria Crime Prevention Department, of the Traffic Police Section and of the Police Academy.
Biographical notes and joining the Police
Giovanni Palatucci was born in Montella (Avellino) on 31 May 1909. Having graduated in law, he chose not to practice law to pursue a career in the Public Security Administration, being initially assigned to the Genoa Police Headquarters with the role of Deputy Commissioner.
The commitment in Fiume and the sacrifice in Dachau
Starting from 15 November 1937, he was placed at the head of the Foreigners Office of the Fiume Police Headquarters, distinguishing himself for his tireless work of protection in favor of Jews and those subjected to political and racial persecution. Subsequently appointed Quaestor Regent, in his seven years of service he managed to save numerous Jews, foreign citizens and Italians from deportation and death.
In light of the facts, he was arrested and deported as a political prisoner to the Dachau concentration camp, where he died on 10 February 1945.
Institutional recognitions and values
The last Police Commissioner of Fiume, awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Merit, Giovanni Palatucci was recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” for having saved thousands of Jews from genocide. With his example of courage and sacrifice he embodied and honored the highest moral and institutional values of the State Police.