KPD comes through again
For the second time in two weeks I write to thank and commend yet another Kaua‘i Police Department staff person for exemplary community assistance and demeanor.
Last Saturday afternoon as I celebrated finishing my two-week quarantine, I drove from my Wailua Homesteads home to St. Catherine Church to attend the 4 p.m. Mass.
After completing the turn in the Kapa‘a roundabout, my car suddenly shifted into park with no warning, and stopped in the middle of the street. The engine was running, but the gears could not be put into reverse, neutral or drive.
Of course, traffic backed up immediately behind me, with a few horns honking.
However, a nice man offered to go to the nearby police station for help, while a nice lady asked if she could pray with me since I told her I was on my way to church.
Night supervisor officer Aaron Bandmann arrived in record time, along with two more officers to direct traffic, as my car could not even be pushed over to the side of the road.
Before I could call my auto roadside assistance, a police call had been quickly placed to Casino Towing to take my car to the dealership in Lihu‘e.
As I was pondering my nine-mile return home, Officer Bandmann offered to drive me, my first experience in the back of a police car.
We had a terrific conversation about Kaua‘i, community, pandemics, accepting responsibility for one’s actions instead of blaming someone else or God, staying positive, and praying for healing, which we will resume when possible at St. Catherine every Friday morning after Mass. So many police and peacekeepers in general suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome), and much healing is needed.
I am a frequent hugger, and I asked Officer Bandmann if he does hugs. When he answered yes, we gave each other a hug in my driveway.
As in every organization, the majority of people are on the right path, but there are always some who have strayed to the wrong path. Kaua‘i is fortunate to have a caring police department with staff like Officer Bandmann role-modeling what the right path looks like.
Again I have thanked Chief Todd Raybuck for his leadership.
Love.
Terri Donovan Mansfield, Kapa‘a
Wow, a hug! Couldn’t we ALL use one right about now!? So nice to hear that story…