LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i will join the rest of the nation in observing and celebrating National Police Week today through Saturday. Ale Quibilan, in addressing the Kaua‘i County Council, Wednesday, said the Kaua‘i Police Department will have several events to mark
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i will join the rest of the nation in observing and celebrating National Police Week today through Saturday.
Ale Quibilan, in addressing the Kaua‘i County Council, Wednesday, said the Kaua‘i Police Department will have several events to mark the national observance, the first being an appreciation luncheon to recognize the work done by the KPD staff.
Saturday, KPD will bring out its community-oriented programs to the Kukui Grove Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where the public is invited to browse and participate in the offerings that will include the free Keiki I.D. program, the Community Neighborhood Watch, Kaua‘i Police Activities League, the K.P.D. Explorers and more.
Quibilan said in addition they will have some of the displays and exhibits popular with the youth including some of the police weaponry, the SWAT team, and others.
National Police Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress to pay special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy, states a proclamation issued by Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Friday in anticipation of the week-long observance.
“People should reflect every day about the dangers faced by our police officers in safeguarding their lives and community,” said Derek Kawakami, the Public Safety Committee chair, during a presentation honoring the KPD for its participation in National Police Week. This presentation was done during the Wednesday Committee Hearings.
Law enforcement plays an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens, states a certificate presented by the Kaua‘i County Council to KPD.
It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of the members of law enforcement who recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression, and unceasingly provide a vital public service.
The mayoral proclamation states that protection comes at a price as each year, there are approximately 16,000 assaults on law enforcement officers resulting in nearly 60,000 injuries. Over the last decade, an average of 160 officers a year have been killed in the line of duty, and throughout the U.S. history, almost 19.000 law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.
May 15, as part of National Police Week, has been designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, or have become disabled in the performance of duty, and to remember and pay respect to the survivors of these fallen heroes, states the Council’s certificate.
Carvalho, in reading the proclamation, said it is appropriate that the Kaua‘i Police Department commemorates those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.
Council Chair Bill “Kaipo” Asing said during the Wednesday meeting, “You have a very difficult job. Imagine if you have to issue a ticket to someone who is going too fast and realizing that he is your neighbor. You have to face this every day.”
Visit www.kauai.gov/Police/ for more information on the Kaua‘i Police Department.
