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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR042219ChiefToddRaybuckassumescommandofKauaiPoliceDepartmentF� OF THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF News Release For Immediate Release: April 22, 2019 KAUA`1 POLICE DEPARTMENT TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF Tel (808) 241-1600 Fax (808) 241-1604 Chief Todd Raybuck assumes command of Kauai Police Department LIHUE — Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck assumed command of the Kauai Police Department on Monday in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. "My pursuit for a career in law enforcement, was shaped by the officers I had contact with early in my life," said Chief Raybuck in his remarks at Monday's ceremony. "Since I was a young boy, I've dreamed of one day growing up to follow in my godfather's footsteps as a police chief. I was also influenced by the police officers I encountered in my neighborhood, and in the schools. It was not what these officers said or did that had the greatest impact on me. As Maya Angelou said, it was how they made me feel — respected, valued, and protected. It is my sincere desire to impart the same impression on the citizens and employees I serve in this honorable profession." Monday's ceremony began with a welcoming oli by Kumu Hula LeinNala Pavao Jardin, followed by the presenting of colors by the KPD Color Guard. Guest speakers included Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami, Kauai Police Commission Chair Mary K. Hertog, and Acting Chief of Police Michael M. Contrades. "A change of command is a time honored tradition that represents the transfer of authority and responsibility from one leader to another, and it's a defining moment for Acting Chief Contrades and Chief Raybuck," said Chair Hertog. "But as leadership changes the mission of KPD remains the same — to protect and serve while embracing the values of respect, integrity, and professionalism." In his remarks, Acting Chief Contrades expressed his confidence in the new chief, not only because of his knowledge and experience, but more significantly because of his character. "I say this with all sincerity. Commissioners, you did an amazing job in the selection of a Chief of Police for our department and community," said Acting Chief Contrades as he addressed the crowd of approximately 200. "In my discussions with Todd, I have found him to be highly intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, sincere, and most importantly, humble. I feel strongly that he will do an excellent job as the Chief of Police for the Kauai Police Department and the people of Kaua`i." Both Chair Hertog and Mayor Kawakami paid special tributes to Acting Chief Contrades, who throughout his 25 years of dedicated service and leadership to the department has served as an officer, lieutenant, supervisor and commander, and most recently as deputy chief to former Police Chief Darryl Perry. "Acting Chief Contrades has made numerous accomplishments during his tenure and has been instrumental in various initiatives and programs that continue to improve KPD's operations, morale, and overall service to our community," said Mayor Kawakami. "Mike, your service over the years has strengthened the department and the County in ways that will be felt for generations to come. So from the bottom of my heart, mahalo." Following Monday's ceremony, Acting Chief Contrades will now serve as Deputy Chief. Honorable Judge Michael K. Soong performed the swearing -in of the oath of office, followed by the ceremonial pinning of the badge presented to Chief Raybuck by his wife Kelly. The ceremony concluded with special performances by Chief Raybuck's son Conner and niece Emma Bielfeldt, along with a special hula by H51au Ka Lei Mokihana o LeinWala. Chief Raybuck's new role follows nearly 27 years of service with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he retired as a Police Captain in February 2019. His assignment at time of retirement was Bureau Commander of one of LVMPD's nine patrol substations, and was responsible for leading police patrol and investigative services for the 250,000 residents across the 80 square miles of the southwest Las Vegas valley. His other assignments included: Commander of the Organized Crime Bureau; Executive Lieutenant to the LVMPD/Clark County Sheriff; Lieutenant/Shift Commander on the Las Vegas "Strip" tourist and resort corridor; Traffic Bureau sergeant responsible for developing and managing traffic safety and enforcement strategies; Homeland Security sergeant responsible for managing critical infrastructure and dignitary protection efforts; detective assignments in the department's vice section, narcotics section, and the criminal intelligence section; field training officer; resident/rural community patrol officer; and patrol officer. Chief Raybuck graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, in 2017, and is also a graduate of the 274th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy in 2018. He began his law enforcement career on Oahu, while stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base as a U.S. Air Force Security Police Law Enforcement Specialist from 1987 to 1990, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1991. Above: Chief of Police Todd Raybuck addresses the crowd of approximately 200 during Monday's Change of Command Ceremony. Above: Acting Chief Michael Contrades stands before the members of the Kauai Police Department for the last time as acting chief during Monday's Change of Command Ceremony. IL _ L,I I r - a. ,low. Above: Honorable Judge Michael K. Soong performs the swearing -in of Chief Todd Raybuck during Monday's Change of Command Ceremony.