HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR030119KPD90thRecruitClassGradationF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 1, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD honors 90t" Police Recruit Class graduates
LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department held its 901" Police Recruit Graduation ceremony
Thursday at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
Charles Bedford Jr., James Gause Jr., Jordan Kerry, James Paterson, Manuel Rivera,
and Tyler Uratsuka were announced as the department's 90t" Recruit Class in the company of
their family, friends, and colleagues.
Assistant Chief Roy Asher express congratulatory remarks on behalf of Acting Chief of
Police Michael Contrades at Thursday's ceremony.
"These are very challenging times to be a police officer, but I won't say it's a thankless
job, because for me it's been very rewarding and a pleasure to serve," said AC Asher. "As
officers, while we don't expect recognition for our efforts, acknowledgement will come at the
most unexpected times. On behalf of the Kauai Police Department, as men and women,
civilians and sworn, I welcome you to the family."
Three special awards were presented to two recruits during the ceremony. Tyler
Uratsuka received the Physical Fitness Award for demonstrating a high level of physical abilities
on a consistent basis during their training. Charles Bedford Jr. received the Marksmanship
Award for his outstanding skill level in firearms proficiency and safe handling. He was also
honored as the Most Outstanding Recruit for excelling in all areas of the rigorous training while
building camaraderie in the group.
The keynote address was given by Sgt. John Mullineaux, who was chosen by the
recruits. The class also chose its class speaker, James Gause Jr., who expressed brief remarks
for his fellow graduates.
Guest speakers during the ceremony included Kauai County Council Chair Arryl
Kaneshiro, Kauai Police Commission Chair Mary K. Hertog, and Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami.
"I was honored to first meet the 90t" Recruit Class last week at the Police Chief
Challenge at Vidinha Stadium, where they included me in a series of training exercises," said
Mayor Kawakami. "I was very impressed and amazed at their integrity and ability to work
together, because by the time we took our victory lap, every single one of these graduates were
there to support their brothers. We know how challenging it is especially in today's day and age
where Kauai is changing. But we have the very best and, together, we are one team. On behalf
of the Office of the Mayor, I'm so proud of each and every one of these brave hearts. Thank you
for your service and we wish you the very best in your future careers."
The graduation concluded with the swearing -in of officers led by Judge Lisa Arin
followed by the ceremonial pinning of the badges.
The police recruit graduation ceremony is the culmination of six months 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 from left to right: Kauai County Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro, Mayor Derek
Kawakami, Charles Bedford Jr., James Paterson, Manuel Rivera, James Gause Jr., Jordan
Kerry, Tyler Uratsuka, and Council Member Felicia Cowden.
Above from left to right: Tyler Uratsuka, Manuel Rivera, James Paterson, Jordan Kerry,
James Gause Jr., and Charles Bedford Jr. being sworn in by Judge Lisa Arin.
Above: Recruits taking a victory lap with Mayor Derek Kawakami at the Police Chief Challenge
on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
Above: Mayor Derek Kawakami joined Acting Chief of Police Michael Contrades at his Police
Chief Challenge on Wednesday, Feb. 20, for the 90t" Police Recruit Class.