LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Officer Anthony Morita was presented with the department’s Officer of the Month recognition at the Police Commission meeting on Friday. Morita was assigned to investigate individuals that are required by law to keep the courts updated
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Officer Anthony Morita was presented with the department’s Officer of the Month recognition at the Police Commission meeting on Friday.
Morita was assigned to investigate individuals that are required by law to keep the courts updated on their whereabouts. He is credited with researching offenders in violation of orders and then preparing legal documents that allowed the police department’s Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST) to apprehend them for felony non compliance.
It was for superior dedication to public service and his exceptional performance throughout this project that Morita is being recognized.
Lt. Trent Shimabukuro, who is acting commander of the Lihu‘e District, presented Morita to the commission and read out the award before it was presented by the commission chair. Normally, Police Chief Darryl Perry presents honors to the Officer of the Month; however, he was not present at Friday’s commission meeting.
“Officer Morita has continued this often frustrating task, knowing that there is an urgent need to identify people within the community who threaten our safety as well as the safety of our children,” Shimabukuro said. “This report was exceptional throughout this project, the department has labeled this project a top priority and as of this date we have added eight more felons to the list totaling 13 arrests.”
Commissioner Randall Francisco said the award is a reminder about how the department really works amidst the additional press it is getting concerning its leadership.
“It’s a reminder to us that it’s the front-line employees, like in any business, that keep the engines running,” Francisco said. “While leadership does what it does, it is really the front-line employees that are the face of any organization. You set an example for our children, and it’s front-line employees that make this happen in a business.”
“Sometime the solutions never present themselves and are not as obvious as one might think,” said Commissioner Donald Okami. “It is that dedication and digging in to find that solution that is going to make the difference in the future. The people of Kaua‘i deserve no less. Your parents have a good reason to be proud of you as do we.”
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
