Regina Ventura made history in the Kaua‘i Police Department last week. Ventura, who became captain of the KPD Administrative and Technical Services Bureau, became the first woman ever to rise to the rank of captain in the KPD, when three
Regina Ventura made history in the Kaua‘i Police Department last week.
Ventura, who became captain of the KPD Administrative and Technical Services Bureau, became the first woman ever to rise to the rank of captain in the KPD, when three captain promotions were announced at the regular meeting of the Kaua‘i Police Commission.
Frederick DeBusca, acting Investigative Services Bureau commander, and Ale Quibilan, captain of the Patrol Services Bureau, also received the promotion in rank.
The three have over 80 years combined experience within the KPD, and have served in every department KPD has to offer.
“We have promoted three highly qualified captains within the Kaua‘i Police Department,” said KPD Chief K.C. Lum. “I have full confidence in their abilities to (do) the job.
“With the added leadership of the three captains, Kaua‘i Police Department will move forward to better serve our community,” he added.
Ventura, who has been with KPD for nearly 25 years, moved from the KPD Vice Narcotics Unit, where she has been for about a year.
The humble Ventura said she attributes her success to high school teacher Josephine Sokei, who cared about her and steered her in the right direction.
“I treat everyone with fairness, kindness and respect,” she added.
DeBusca is actually an acting assistant chief in his current position, in which he’s been for over a year.
“I feel fortunate to be promoted,” said DeBusca, a 35-year KPD veteran. “I hope to do an excellent job for the department and the community.”
Quibilan, who didn’t attend the meeting because of his Hawaii Air National Guard duty, said earlier this week that while he’s proud of receiving the promotion, he misses his days as a patrol-services officer and a detective.
The 22-year veteran is assistant commander of the largest bureau within KPD (Patrol Services), with over 90 employees, both police officers and civilian workers, he said.
- Tom Finnegan, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or tfinnegan@pulitzer.net.
