LIHU’E — Kaua’i Police Department officers gathered Saturday morning for a final tribute to one of their own. The family of the late KPD Sgt. Sylvester Oliveira Jr. was driven to the KPD headquarters where officers were mustered for a
LIHU’E — Kaua’i Police Department officers gathered Saturday morning for a final tribute to one of their own.
The family of the late KPD Sgt. Sylvester Oliveira Jr. was driven to the KPD headquarters where officers were mustered for a final formation.
KPD Chief K.C. Lum presented Yvonne Oliveira, the widow of the late sergeant, with an American flag, followed by Assistant Chief Ron Venneman offering his condolences and presenting the family with a framed collection of Oliveira’s badge, medals, and office insignia.
There were no words. Just a coming together of the police department to pay tribute to the sergeant who passed away Feb. 20, just two months shy of his retirement. “He died at home of a heart attack with his uniform on right before going to work for his regular shift,” said daughter Melissa Oliveira.
Born in Honolulu on Oct. 11, 1952, Oliveira served with the Kaua’i Police Department for 29 years before his passing at the age of 53.
Oliveira is survived by his wife Yolanda of Lihu’e, son Daniel (Keana) Oliveira of Wailua, and two daughters, Tasha Oliveira and Melissa (Jared) Oliveira of Lihu’e. He also leaves behind his mother, Helen Oliveira, brother Steven (Gene) Oliveira of New York, two sisters Bernice (Harry) Chrowder of Oregon, Joanne Oliveira of Honolulu, six grandchildren, Austin, Kaimi, Makalii, Kalama, Zayden, and Kilinoe. Oliveira also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Before departing to a celebration of his life, department officials said Oliveira’s badge number would be retired, and one final radio call was made announcing that the officer was not available.
The procession and salute was joined by the Sheriff’s department, personnel from the Kaua’i Fire Department, Lihu’e Station, and Zack Octavio, as well as the Lihu’e ambulance station of American Medical Response.
Also on hand for the brief ceremonies were members of the current Police Recruit Class, office staff, Civil Defense Administrator Mark Marshall, as well as councilman Jimmy Tokioka.
Services were held at the Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday officiated by Bill Shannon.
