HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021624 KPD NR KPD honors 94th Police Recruit Class graduatesDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: June 24, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
KPD honors 94th Police Recruit Class graduates
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department held a small outdoor ceremony on Thursday for its 94th
Police Recruit Class graduates.
Branden Ray J. Barroga, Arven Roi Bunao, Ian I. Cowden, Kaleb M. Poree, Blake A. Saito and Il
Hwan Yum were announced as the department’s 94th Recruit Class in the company of their immediate
household family members, a few of KPD’s commanders, as well as special guests including Mayor Derek
S. K. Kawakami, who was a guest speaker, Kauaʿi County Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro, Kauaʿi County
Council Public Safety Chair Felicia Cowden and Kauaʿi Police Commission Chair Catherine Adams.
“It’s not a secret that finding and retaining police officers is something that our County and our
State continue to struggle with. That is because making the choice to put your life on the line while
being exposed to constant scrutiny and rising expectations is not something very exciting or appealing to
the average person,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Not many are willing to take on such an important
responsibility. But today, we have six individuals who are willing and who are able to serve and protect
our community. They came from all parts of life – from locally-born and raised to serving our country
protecting our freedoms to formerly working in the FBI. And we give them, along with all of our officers
in blue, and their ‘ohana, our utmost respect and honor.”
Captain Mark Ozaki served as the Master of Ceremonies, Lieutenant Kenneth P. K. Cummings
presented the 94th Recruit Class, and Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck expressed congratulatory remarks
at Thursday’s ceremony at KPD headquarters in Līhuʿe.
“As you begin your career as a police officer, remember to follow this simple rule: treat others
as you would want a police officer to treat a member of your family—with fairness, friendship,
impartiality and respect,” said Chief Raybuck. “You are now ambassadors of every man and woman that
wears the uniform. Every interaction you have with the public will shape the view of all officers. Your
profession is not just a job, it’s a commitment—a commitment to serve others, strengthen relationships
with those we serve, and enhance the quality of life in our community.”
Special awards were presented to three recruits during the ceremony. Poree received the
Physical Fitness Award for demonstrating a high level of physical abilities on a consistent basis during
their training. Cowden received the Marksmanship Award for an outstanding skill level in firearms
proficiency and safe handling. Yum was honored as the Most Outstanding Recruit for excelling in all
areas of the rigorous training while building camaraderie in the group.
The graduation began with an invocation by Police Chaplain Kevin Cram and concluded with the
ceremonial pinning of badges by household family members, followed by the recruits taking a police
officer oath in front of the audience.
During the ceremony, the recruits expressed gratitude toward their families and fellow
classmates for their support, as well as their training cadre, including Sergeant Alan Santella and
Sergeant Len Nitta, for their wealth of knowledge and expertise.
The ceremony was made possible by the collective efforts of several individuals within the
department, such as Lieutenant Cummings, Lieutenant Darren Rose, Sergeant Darla Nonaka, Sergeant
Lance Okasaki, Sergeant Phil Banquel, Officer Bobby Thompson and Officer Morris Unutoa.
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, the
officers will be released from training to assume patrol assignments.
For more information on becoming a Kaua‘i police officer, visit KPD’s website at
www.kauai.gov/police or call 241-1646.
The graduates of the 94th Recruit Class with Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck.
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