HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR020118EmployeesoftheMonthcivilianrecognizedatPoliceCommissionMeetingBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 1, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Employees of the Month, civilian recognized at Police Commission Meeting
LIHU'E — The Kauai Police Department (KPD) recognized two Employees of the Month
and a citizen during January's Police Commission meeting held on Jan. 26, at the Pi'ikoi
Building.
Officer Aaron Lester and Officer Joseph Himongala, were acknowledged for their
outstanding work in crisis negotiation following an incident on the night of Dec. 2, 2017. A
Wailua man, Shane Lee, was also recognized for his vital role in the negotiation.
At approximately 8 p.m. that night, police were notified of a male subject sitting on the
edge of the bridge on Kapule Highway in Lihu`e. Officer Lester was first on scene, followed
shortly after by Officer Himongala.
Also at the scene was Lee, who had previously stopped his vehicle when he saw the
distraught man on the bridge. Lee was able to build an initial rapport with the male subject prior
to officers arriving on scene.
When Officer Lester and Officer Himongala arrived they quickly engaged in conversation
with the man, and gained his trust. After speaking with the man for approximately 30 minutes,
the officers were able to convince him to get down from the railing safely.
"Officer Lester and Officer Himongala are both part of KPD's Crisis Negotiator Team,
and that night they displayed professionalism and precise expertise learned from their training,"
stated Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry. "These officers followed KPD's mission statement with
Aloha spirit and being pono, and I thank them for a job well done."
"I'd also like to thank and recognize local resident Shane Lee for his bravery,
unselfishness and willingness to help a complete stranger that night," Chief Perry said. "Shane's
assistance led to the successful and peaceful resolution of a situation that could have ended in
tragedy."
Deputy Chief Michael Contrades (left) congratulates Employees of the Month Officer Joseph Himongala
and Officer Aaron Lester at January's Police Commission Meeting.
Shane Lee (middle) was recognized at January's Police Commission Meeting for his vital role in a crisis
negotiation incident on Dec. 2, 2017. Also shown in the photo are Deputy Chief Michael Contrades (left)
and Sgt. Clyde Caires.