LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department is near full-strength with the graduation of its 83rd Police Recruit Class on Friday. Police Commission Chair James O’Conner asked the officers to measure success by its benefit to mankind and encouraged them to
LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department is near full-strength with the graduation of its 83rd Police Recruit Class on Friday.
Police Commission Chair James O’Conner asked the officers to measure success by its benefit to mankind and encouraged them to make decisions that reflect well on the profession and won’t tarnish the shield.
“To do this job well, police requires an abundance of character,” O’Conner said.
The 19 cadets, who represent the largest academy in KPD history, were administered the oath of service by Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of the 5th Circuit. They are now officers who will begin a six-week field training program.
“There will be so many possibilities to serve with honor and distinction,” O’Conner added. “Cherish this time and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The keynote address was delivered by Tenari Maafala, a Honolulu Police Department sergeant for 25 years, and president of the State of Hawaii Police Officers Union.
“You have one chance to be a good cop,” Maafala said. “Take it to heart and accept the challenge.”
Deputy Chief Michael Contrades introduced the cadets. He said they endured a selective screening process before starting the 28-week academy on Dec. 21, 2012. Their training included instruction on Hawaii state laws, report writing, defensive tactics and use of force, pursuit vehicle operation, use of firearms and physical training.
“These cadets have grown from individuals into a team and from friends into brothers,” Contrades said.
The 19 officers include Roldan Agbayani, who was born in the Philippines and moved to Kauai in 1995. He used to work in sales.
Johnathan Anderson is a Kauai native with a degree in criminal justice. He was previously a maintenance engineer at the Kauai Hindu Monastery.
Orlina Antolin Jr. was born in the Philippines and moved to Kauai in 1967. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major after 25 years in 2007.
Bill Burns Jr. was born and raised in Arizona, where he was a police officer for 15 years.
Michael Burton was born and raised in Montana and was a police officer in Utah for 14 years before coming to Kauai in 2012.
Brad Candida was raised on Oahu and has a degree in criminal justice. He worked as a private investigator for six years before joining KPD.
Jonathan Green was born in New York and was a retail manager for nine years.
Eric Higa was raised on Kauai and worked as an automotive technician.
Sky Johnston was raised on Oahu and serves in the Air National Guard.
Aaron Lester was born and raised on Guam. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class and was a hotel security officer.
Kalema Lingaton was raised on Kauai and was a water safety officer with the Kauai Fire Department.
Irwin Magayanes was raised on Kauai and was a service attendant and is a student at Kauai Community College.
Timothy Meenagh is from New York and worked in sales before deciding to become a police officer.
Avelina Ruvalcaba is from California and came to Kauai in 2011. He served in the U.S. Army for five years and worked in the solar industry before KPD.
Joel Snyder is from California and came to Kauai in 2001. He worked as a finishing carpenter and foreman before KPD.
Creighton Tamagawa is from Kauai and has a degree in culinary arts. He was a public safety worker at KPD cell block.
Macy Telles is from Kauai and worked as a drywall taper for 20 years before KPD.
Bobby Thompson is from Oahu and moved to Kauai in 2000. He worked for HawaiianTel for 15 years before KPD.
Morris Unutoa is from Los Angeles and moved to Kauai in 2009. He retired from the National Football League in 2002 and is a former high school teacher on Kauai.
