HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR072717KPDhonors88threcruitclass
C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 27, 2017
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD honors 88th Police Recruit Class graduates
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department held its 88th Police Recruit graduation ceremony
on July 20 at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
Anthony Chavez Jr., Kinsey Gregory, Kevin Kamakahi, Alexander Lacson Jr., Edward
Myers, and David Phillips were announced as the department’s 88th Recruit Class in the
company of their family, friends and colleagues.
In his remarks, Police Chief Darryl Perry emphasized the increasing challenges that law
enforcement officers face every day, which is why the choice to become a police officer is one
that he views with honor.
“Our officers have to be tolerant to criticism, even when split second decisions have to
be made under extremely difficult situations,” said Chief Perry. “Although they will not receive
the recognition in which they greatly deserve for going beyond the call of duty or putting their life
in harm’s way, our officers continue to serve and protect with respect, integrity and
professionalism.”
Special awards were presented to two recruits during the ceremony. Anthony Chavez Jr.
received the Physical Fitness Award for demonstrating a high level of physical abilities on a
consistent basis during their training. He also received the Marksmanship Award for his
outstanding skill level in firearms proficiency and safe handling. Kinsey Gregory was honored as
the Most Outstanding Recruit for excelling in all areas of the rigorous training while building
camaraderie in the group.
In his keynote address, Council Chair Mel Rapozo related to his own time serving as a
police officer and the moments he remembered vividly, including his badge pinning ceremony
and first midnight shift.
“I remember realizing that wow, this was real. And that’s something you’re all going to
experience,” Rapozo said as he addressed the recruits. “You have passed all of the hiring
requirements, survived the physical and mental training, sacrificed a lot and have successfully
arrived here today. I would agree that this is not really a career, it’s a calling.”
Guest speakers during the ceremony included Police Commission Chair Mary Kay
Hertog, Kaua‘i County Council Member Arthur Brun, SHOPO Kaua‘i Chapter Chairman Jesse
Guirao, and Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
“I cannot imagine what life would be like without our police officers,” stated Mayor
Carvalho to the group. “It is a difficult job that comes with a great deal of sacrifice, but with little
thanks and recognition. To the 88th Recruit Class, congratulations and mahalo for choosing this
path and making Kaua‘i a safer place for us all.”
The graduation concluded with the swearing-in of officers led by Chief Perry, followed by
the ceremonial pinning of the badges presented by Master of Ceremony Captain Mark Ozaki.
The police recruit graduation ceremony is the culmination of six months and over 1,400
hours of classroom and reality-based training. Following graduation, each police services officer
was assigned a field training officer to shadow for the next four months. Upon successful
completion of the 16-week program, they will become full-fledged officers.
For more information on becoming a Kaua‘i police officer, visit KPD’s website at
www.kauai.gov/police or call 241-1669.
Above Photo: The 88th Police Recruit Class is shown being sworn in as officers on Thursday at the
Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Shown from left to right: David Phillips; Edward Myers;
Alexander Lacson Jr.; Police Chief Darryl Perry; Kevin Kamakahi; Kinsey Gregory; and Anthony Chavez
Jr.
Above Photo: The 88th Police Recruit Class poses for a group photo following the pinning of badges and
after receiving leis from family and friends. Shown from left to right: David Phillips; Edward Myers;
Alexander Lacson Jr.; Kevin Kamakahi; Kinsey Gregory; and Anthony Chavez Jr.
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