The Chief Commissioner of the Local Police of Alicante, José María Conesa, has announced his departure due to his upcoming retirement after serving for 17 years as the head of the municipal body. The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Local Police Day, which was Friday, May 8, as Alicante celebrated an incredible 179 years of the local police service.

Deep gratitude and pride in having served the people of Alicante for nearly two decades

Chief Conesa, during the ceremony, expressed deep “gratitude” and “pride” in having been able to serve Alicante, and described it as “the greatest honour” of his professional career. Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, praised Conesa’s service, citing remarkable commitment and loyalty to Alicante and to the safety of the public.

“José María Conesa has had a very long career serving the Local Police and the city of Alicante. Seventeen years directing and leading the force. I had the opportunity to share half of his term with him. I have never known another Local Police Chief,” said Mayor Barcala.

The mayor also praised the work of the officers. “Today, the Alicante Local Police enjoy a prestige it did not have a few decades ago, thanks to its professionalism and dedication to service.”

Chief Conesa ‘leaving with pride in this profession’

During his speech, Chief Conesa said, “[T]his moment has a very special meaning as this is the last year of my tenure before my retirement.” 

“Looking back, one realises that half a lifetime has been spent in the force, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the community.” He emphasised that he is leaving “with pride in this profession, for having shared this journey, and for having had the privilege of serving Alicante.”

In total, 73 officers were recognised during the ceremony for their work, as well as 11 individuals for their collaboration with the local police force. Medals were awarded to 21 police officers who have exceeded two decades of service, and diplomas were given to 9 retired officers.

The ceremony was attended by Alicante municipal officials, military authorities, and friends and loved ones of those honoured. In addition, the ceremony included a performance of the Local Police anthem by the Alicante Municipal Symphonic Band.

More than 70,000 interventions in the past year: Prioritising the safety of the citizens of Alicante

During the ceremony, the impressive number of interventions by the Alicante Local Police was revealed. In the past year, the safety officials and first responders handled more than 75,000 calls, resulting in more than 72,000 interventions. Additionally, the Local Police collaborated 620 times with the Spanish National Police and provided support to 512 victims of gender-based violence.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer carried out a major initiative in the streets of the Alicante province at the beginning of May, with its Collection Day campaign. The event involved the entire community of Alicante and beyond in the fight against cancer, and was carried out under the slogan “When you stop, we move against cancer.”

Collection tables in the community: Alicante gets active against cancer

The initiative, which took place on Thursday, May 7, and involved more than 63 tables distributed throughout the Alicante province, as well as the collaboration of some 260 volunteers. At the tables, Alicante residents and visitors were able to make donations through physical collection boxes or through their mobile devices. 

According to the association, passersby simply stopping at a donation box or a collection table is a small gesture that could result in a huge impact for cancer research and families affected by it. These funds not only help to fund groundbreaking research projects and improve care for patients, but they also generate hope.

Funds will go towards care, research, and hope for a world without the fear of cancer

The funds donated during the Collection Day campaign will be put towards continuing to make progress into cancer research, providing comprehensive care for those affected by cancer and their loved ones, and aiming for a 70 per cent cancer survival rate by the year 2030. The donations also help to keep care available for free, which the association offers to those affected by cancer.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer’s presence in Alicante

In Alicante, the Spanish Association Against Cancer is present in 26 locations across the province. In the whole of Spain, the association has 52 provincial headquarters with a presence in more than 2,000 individual locations, more than 35,000 volunteers, and has a team of more than 1,261 professionals.

The association has emphasised the need for greater public participation in the fight against cancer, especially with regards to prevention, support, and research. Cancer remains one of the main socio-health issues on a global scale, with an estimated 1 of 2 men and 1 of 3 women being affected by it throughout their lives, either personally or through loved ones.

Currently, the Spanish Association Against Cancer is developing 6 research projects in the province and has allocated more than €900,000 in 2025 to the effort.

The Guardia Civil has successfully rescued a 24-year-old woman who found herself trapped in the waves in a rocky area off the coast of Torrevieja. Due to poor weather conditions, the woman was unable to swim back to shore, but the Guardia Civil acted quickly and were able to save the woman’s life. She was found very weak and with symptoms of hypothermia.

A dramatic rescue at sea

According to the Guardia Civil, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, and a witness was the one who alerted officers that a woman was struggling to get out of the water. The young woman was on holiday in Torrevieja and had gone to the beach with a friend, at which point she entered the water and was unable to get back to the shore.

The rescue occurred in an area difficult to access, around 50 metres from the shore. Guardia Civil officers, who approached in a boat, were having difficulties keeping the vessel afloat due to the heavy swell of the sea and poor weather conditions. At this point, one Guardia Civil officer ventured out to sea to carry out the rescue, while his partner remained on land and coordinated the reinforcements and medical services.

When the officer reached the young woman, she was considerably weak and showed signs of losing consciousness. The officer was able to swim her to shore, where she was stabilised until paramedics arrived.

Woman taken for treatment to Torrevieja hospital; Officer sustained minor injuries

The young woman was taken to a nearby Torrevieja hospital and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. She had suffered symptoms of hypothermia, leading to pneumonia, but she is reportedly now in good condition and recovering safely in her home.

The Guardia Civil agent who rescued her only suffered minor injuries due to the precarious state of the sea and the rocky terrain. In the end, the rescue was a success, and the brave officers were able to save the young woman’s life, proving to be an essential pillar for the safety of the community and holidaymakers on the Costa Blanca.