LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department has a new deputy chief. Capt. Michael Contrades, who has overseen operations in the Patrol Services Bureau since January, began work as deputy chief on Sunday. A public ceremony will be held in the
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department has a new deputy chief.
Capt. Michael Contrades, who has overseen operations in the Patrol Services Bureau since January, began work as deputy chief on Sunday. A public ceremony will be held in the near future.
“Capt. Contrades has demonstrated his commitment to the community and the Kaua‘i Police Department,” said KPD Chief Perry at the monthly Police Commission meeting Friday. “He has earned the respect of his peers and I look forward to working with him in our continued efforts in keeping our community safe.”
Contrades, a 17-year KPD veteran, joined the force in July 1994 and has served in many different capacities within the department. He was promoted to captain in January, and said he is honored at the deputy chief appointment and thankful for the opportunity.
“As deputy chief I will do my best to assist Chief Perry in our continued efforts to move our department forward so that we may provide the service the community needs and deserves,” Contrades said.
“I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors throughout my career and I am grateful to them and to the many officers who I have worked with,” he added. “I am also grateful for the many community partners and most especially for the continued support of my wife and family.”
Contrades is a former property crimes detective and oversaw the department’s asset forfeiture program while assigned to the vice unit.
As a lieutenant in vice, Contrades helped lead two of the largest operations in KPD history, Operation Green Stream and Operation Garden Ice. Both missions were accomplished through the joint partnerships of federal, state and local agencies.
Contrades was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2007, when he was assigned District Commander of the Hanalei Station. He oversaw renovations to bring the station up to date.
During his tenure in Hanalei, Contrades participated in many community meetings and activities. He was instrumental in the development and opening of the Kaua‘i Police Activities League Youth Center in Kapa‘a.
As an officer, Contrades patrolled the Kawaihau, Lihu‘e and Koloa districts. He was promoted to sergeant in November 2001 and served as a district supervisor of the Patrol Services Bureau in Waimea and Lihu‘e.
Contrades was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2009 for his work with the Kaua‘i Police Activities League, where he currently serves as Director of KPAL’s Youth Center. He was named Officer of the Year in 1998 for the County of Kaua‘i and received Officer of the Year honors from the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Officials and Kaua‘i 200 in 1999.
Other honors include certificates of appreciation and recognition from various agencies to include the United States Attorney’s Office, County of Kaua‘i’s Office of the Mayor and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A former Explorer Advisor with the Kaua‘i Police Explorer Post 2094, Contrades is a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the County of Kaua’i Parks Master Plan Committee, and is a board member and former President of the ‘Ohana Blue Kaua‘i Police Relief Association.
Contrades is a 1988 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He and Darlene, his wife of 20 years, have two children, Micah and Courtney.
