Tom LaVenture The Garden Island LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Department named Officers Bruce Nance and Kapena Wilson as its Employees of the Month for October. The announcement and congratulations came at the county Police Commission meeting Friday. Nance works out
Tom LaVenture
The Garden Island
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Department named Officers Bruce Nance and Kapena Wilson as its Employees of the Month for October. The announcement and congratulations came at the county Police Commission meeting Friday.
Nance works out of the Waimea district. He was credited with 38 citations, 11 arrests and initiating a search warrant that led to seizing illegal drugs and weapons.
Nance was selected as a member of the KPD Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST). The assignment requires extensive training in apprehending repeat offenders who are sometimes considered dangerous and elusive.
Nance was described as a proactive and self-motivating officer who is constantly seeking out and locating wanted individuals in the district. He is credited with submitting timely and accurate reports and is an excellent example of employee of the month, according to the commission.
Wilson was recognized in part for his work on Sept. 10. He was making routine checks in the Hanapepe area when he observed two occupied vehicles parked near the historic court area.
As Wilson approached he reported seeing a male occupant in the driver’s seat with a digital scale and a crystalline substance that turned out to be methamphetamine.
After arresting the occupants Wilson sealed the vehicle and obtained a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, others drugs and paraphernalia and a sizable amount cash.
Wilson was credited with taking initiative and keen observation. He was described as a dedicated officer who brings great reflection on himself and the department.
KPD Chief Darryl Perry congratulated the officers and presented the certificates. He also mentioned a letter of commendation was awarded to Gayle Kuboyama, a civilian administrator with KPD. It was recommended by Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Officials Association President Chief Harry Kubojiri for her work in supporting the recent state conference.
Officers Barry DeBlake, Christopher Calio, Lucas Hamberg and Alan Santella were named as recipients of a Memorandum of Commendation. The awards were submitted by KPD Patrol Services Bureau Captain Michael Contrades.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
