At the age of 86, Pavle Celik said goodbye.

On June 27, 2026, the Slovenian police celebrated its annual day, marking a significant occasion in the country’s history. The event took place against the backdrop of ongoing challenges within the police force, particularly related to staffing shortages. This year's celebration was notable not only for its commemorative significance but also for highlighting the current state of the organization as it faces evolving security threats and societal expectations.

The celebration included a ceremony where officials paid tribute to past and present members of the police force. Minister for Internal Affairs and Public Administration Franci Matoz delivered a message emphasizing the transformation of the Slovenian police over the past three decades into a modern institution capable of standing alongside European and global counterparts. He acknowledged the dedication of police officers while pointing out the critical issue of understaffing, which he attributed partly to declining interest among young people in pursuing a career in law enforcement. To address this challenge, Matoz proposed establishing a separate pay system for police officers and introducing scholarships aimed at attracting younger generations to the profession. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of retaining experienced personnel to ensure knowledge transfer between generations.

The historical context of the Slovenian police was also highlighted during the celebrations. Officials noted that without the efforts of well-trained units known as "milicija" during Slovenia's independence process, the country would not have achieved its current status as a secure, sovereign, and internationally recognized nation. These units played a crucial role alongside territorial defense forces and civilian structures in effectively countering the power of the Yugoslav People's Army. The origins of these efforts trace back to December 1, 1989, when the police prevented the spread of the so-called "yogurt revolution" in Ljubljana, marking one of the early steps towards Slovenia's eventual independence. The final phase of this process concluded on October 26, 1991, with the departure of the last member of the Yugoslav army from Slovenian territory.

In addition to the official ceremonies, representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, the police, and the association "Sever" laid wreaths at the Memorial Park in Tacna and at the Monument to the Fallen in the War for Slovenia in Ljubljana. These acts symbolized respect for the sacrifices made by previous generations of police officers who contributed significantly to the establishment of an independent Slovenia.

The day also brought somber news regarding the passing of Pavle Čelik, a prominent figure in Slovenian policing history. Čelik, who passed away at the age of 86, had been a key leader in the former Yugoslav militia and served as the director of the Kadets School in Tacna. His contributions extended beyond his professional roles, as he was also a sociologist and historian, playing a pivotal role in the actions associated with the "Sever" initiative during the democratization period and Slovenia's path to independence. After retiring in 1993, Čelik remained active as a commentator on contemporary police work and authored several historical and sociological works. In recognition of his exceptional service, he received the Honorary Medal of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia in 1993. Following his death, Čelik will be honored with military honors at his funeral, underscoring the high regard in which he was held within both the police community and the broader society.

As the Slovenian police continue their operations, they face the dual task of maintaining public safety amid increasingly complex security issues while simultaneously addressing internal challenges such as recruitment and retention. The upcoming months will likely see further discussions around implementing new policies aimed at revitalizing the appeal of a police career, ensuring that the institution remains resilient and effective in serving the needs of the nation.