KPD holds promotions ceremony

LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department recently held a ceremony in the courtyard of Ka Hale Maka‘i o Kauai, KPD headquarters, to mark the promotions of six officers.

“It is with great honor and appreciation that we recognize these men who have dedicated their lives to public service,” stated KPD Deputy Chief Michael Contrades. “Congratulations on your well-deserved promotions, and thank you for your continued commitment to protect and serve our community.”

Roderick Green was promoted to the rank of captain, Christopher Calio and Scott Williamson were promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and Barry DeBlake, Aaron Lester and Brian Silva were promoted to the rank of sergeant. Their promotions and new assignments took effect July 15.

The rigorous promotion process began several months ago, and required the officers to pass comprehensive written exams and assessment processes to test their knowledge and suitability for the positions.

“I am so thankful for these officers who continue to strive for excellence in their commitment to public safety,” stated Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “They serve as role models for their fellow officers and our keiki, and I am confident in their leadership ability to make Kauai a better place to live.”

Green joined KPD in 2004, and has worked in the Patrol Services Bureau, Office of the Chief of Police, and the Administrative and Technical Bureau. Prior to joining KPD, he began his law enforcement career in Los Angeles where he worked for 11 years in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He was also in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served in Operation Desert Storm, where he achieved the rank of corporal.

Calio joined KPD in 2004, and has worked in the Patrol Services Bureau, Administrative and Technical Bureau, and the Investigative Services Bureau. He was a member of the department’s Special Response Team and is currently the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) Kauai Chapter chairperson. Before joining KPD, Calio was a police officer with the Honolulu Police Department. He also served in three combat tours with the U.S. Army before he retired at the rank of master sergeant.

Williamson joined KPD in 2008 and was first assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. In 2012 he was promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the Waimea District. He later transferred to the Investigative Services Bureau where he investigated sex assault crimes. Williamson also served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for 12 years. In 2015, he successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology.

DeBlake joined KPD in 2001, where he had spent his career in the Patrol Services Bureau and was the acting sergeant in the Waimea district. He has been a member of KPD’s Special Response Team for 11 years. In 1995, DeBlake served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and served one tour in Iraq as the head sergeant for the Police Transition Team, where he was responsible for training Iraqi police in the town of Yathrib. He was also a prison guard at Oahu and Maui community correctional centers, and a state deputy sheriff.

Lester joined KPD in 2012, and was assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. He is a member of the Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, the Crisis Negotiations Team, and is a field training officer. Lester also served in the U.S. Navy in 2004, and was honorably discharged in 2009.

Silva joined KPD in 2001, and has worked in the Patrol Services Bureau and the Investigative Services Bureau. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996, and was honorably discharged in 2000.