Col. Jilani Khan, chief of security for Zabul, accepts the Bravery Medal from Gen. Gamil Jumbush, chief of the Afghan Protection Police Force with the Ministry of Interior, during an ceremony at the Zabul Police Headquarters Aug. 18, 2013. (U.S. Army...

Brig. Gen. Sahki, Zabul's provincial chief of police, and Gen. Gamil Jumbush, chief of Afghan Protection Police Force from the Ministry of Interior, answers questions from the local media at the police headquarters in Zabul province, Aug. 18, 2013. T...

ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan - For the first time in more than 30 years, members of the Zabul Police Headquarters were awarded the Afghanistan Bravery Medal at their headquarters building Aug. 18, 2013.

The Afghanistan Bravery Medal, similar to the American Presidential Unit Citation Medal, was awarded to the PHQ for marked security improvements in Zabul province.

"Since [Brig. Gen. Ghulam Sahki] took over as [provincial police chief], the police force has been receiving lots of good training and teaching," said Col. Jilani Khan, chief of security for Zabul.

Right now, Jilani said the police force is maintaining heightened security to ensure the elections process is seamless in Zabul's nine districts.

Receiving the bravery medal was a symbol of cooperation between various groups fighting for a common cause, said Jilani. It was not only a symbol of pride and bravery for the police force, but for all security forces within the province, including the Afghan National Army, the National Department of Security and International Security Assistance Forces.

"We are able to achieve peace and security because of the hard work and efforts of the police force in Zabul province accomplishing the goal of defeating enemies in the province," said Sahki.

In recent years, there has been a decrease in violence throughout the province with a growing respect and trust from the citizens. Sakhi said because of the people, they are able to do a good job in securing the province.

Citizens of Zabul province have been reaching out to the police to assist them with security. One example of the growing cooperation is tips the PHQ have received that have allowed the police to reduce the number and effect of improvised explosive devices without loss to police or civilian life.

"Security is important. If we don't have security, how can our educational system improve?" asked Gen. Gamil Jumbush, chief of Afghan Protection Police Force with the Ministry of Interior. "How can our economics improve? How can the life of the people improve? Security is the first step to bringing forth a better life for the people."

He said he is proud of all his friends in the province who are doing an excellent job, and hopes they proudly run ahead in the offices they occupy to continue building a better life for Zabul province.