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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR052518KPDhonors89thPoliceRecruitClassgraduatesBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR. Mayor COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release For Immediate Release: May 25, 2018 WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Managing Director DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF Tel (808) 241-1600 Fax (808) 241-1604 KPD honors 89th Police Recruit Class graduates LIHU`E — The Kauai Police Department held its 89' Police Recruit Graduation ceremony Thursday at the Kauai Veterans Center. Steven Carvalho, Patrick Hutton, Nicholas Kam, Royce Ka`auwai Jr., and Samdi Makepa-Gillis were announced as the department's 89th Recruit Class in the company of their family, friends and colleagues. In his remarks, Deputy Chief Michael Contrades emphasized the many new challenges and expectations that law enforcement officers face every day. "Our officers are expected to respond to events of appalling violence, be tolerant of criticism, and make split-second decisions under exceedingly difficult circumstances," said Deputy Chief Contrades as he addressed the crowd of approximately 150 people. "In today's swiftly evolving and demanding world we must honor and appreciate those who answer the call to service, and who willingly place their lives on the line every day when donning the uniform. They will be asked to do an extraordinary job in extraordinary times." Special awards were presented to three recruits during the ceremony. Patrick Hutton received the Marksmanship Award for his outstanding skill level in firearms proficiency and safe handling. Nicholas Kam received the Physical Fitness Award for demonstrating a high level of physical abilities on a consistent basis during their training. Samdi Makepa-Gillis was honored as the Most Outstanding Recruit for excelling in all areas of the rigorous training while building camaraderie in the group. In her keynote address, Police Commission Vice Chair Mary Kay Hertog congratulated the recruits on making it through a very demanding training academy. "When we met six months ago, I asked you all why you wanted to be a police officer, and all of you said you wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives and support and give back to your community," said Hertog at the ceremony. "I want you to remember these reasons when you face tough times, because as you know, nobody calls the police when they are having a great day. We're all so very proud of each and every one of you and we're so grateful that you have stepped up to be part of the Kauai Police Department." Guest speakers during the ceremony included Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo, SHOPO Kauai Chapter Chairman Christopher Calio, Class Speaker Nicholas Kam, and County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask who represented Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "There is no abundance of people choosing a career in law enforcement these days, as it is undoubtedly one of the hardest jobs for a person to commit their lives to," stated Trask on behalf of Mayor Carvalho. "As police officers, you are the rock of our community. The way in which you approach your duties helps to shape our island and its people. And that is a big responsibility — one that not many are willing to take. But you are not among the many and for that, we are truly grateful." The graduation concluded with the swearing -in of officers led by Deputy Chief Contrades, 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 Kauai police officer, visit KPD's website at www.kauai.gov/police or call 241-1669. Above: The Kauai Police Department held its 89th Police Recruit Graduation ceremony Thursday at the Kauai Veterans Center. �V 1 � . Above: County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask addresses the recruits on behalf of Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. rryr Above: SHOPO Kauai Chapter Chairman Christopher Calio addresses the recruits. Above: Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo addresses the recruits. �1'1 �It\,w Above: Police Commission Vice Chair Mary Kay Hertog congratulated the recruits in her keynote address. L3 a L I Deputy Chief Michael Contrades administered the "Swearing in the Office of Oath" for the 89th Police Recruit Class. During the ceremony, family members of the 891h Police Recruit Class conducted the pinning of badges. The 89th Police Recruit Class shown from left to right are Samdi Makepa- Gillis, Royce Ka`auwai Jr., Nicholas Kam, Patrick Hutton, and Steven Carvalho.