LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department recognized two Officers of the Month during May’s Police Commission meeting held via teleconference last week.
Administrative and Technical Bureau officer Bobilee K. Silva was recognized as April’s Officer of the Month. She has been serving as an officer in charge of the COVID-19 special operation at the Lihu‘e Airport traveler quarantine screening checkpoint since May 2020. She is responsible for a number of duties, including managing the operation at the airport and assisting with the screening of thousands of visitors and essential workers arriving weekly through interisland and trans-Pacific flights.
“Through her dedicated efforts, the overall safety and effectiveness of this dynamic operation, and the related quarantine compliance checks conducted island-wide, are a reason why we have such a low coronavirus rate in the state, and why our frontline personnel have not sustained any injuries or coronavirus exposures,” said ATB Lt. Anthony Morita.
“She displays excellent communication, customer service, organization and teamwork skills. She truly upholds our department’s mission of having integrity, being professional, and treating everyone with dignity and respect,” said Morita.
Patrol Services Bureau officer Johnathan Anderson was recognized as May’s Officer of the Month. While off-duty, he was instrumental in apprehending a wanted fugitive with warrants totaling more than $161,500.
Anderson was enjoying a day off last month when he located and apprehended the suspect. He was walking along the Kapaʿa coastal path when he observed the suspect hiding in the bushes. Because of his thoughtful and swift action, Anderson was able to take the suspect into custody without incident and subsequently notify on-duty personnel.
“Officer Anderson’s honor, courage and commitment to the core values of the Kaua‘i Police Department and to the community of Kaua‘i were clearly displayed and deserving of recognition,” said PSB Acting Lt. Jason Overmyer.
“Even on his days off, officer Anderson’s commitment to the community is demonstrated through his vigilance and willingness to act. On this day, these actions resulted in the arrest of a wanted criminal, making our community a safer place,” said Overmyer.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, the monthly recognition of officers and civilians who go above and beyond their call of duty at KPD was temporarily placed on hold.
“We want to bring back our routine acknowledgment of some of our most outstanding employees because there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that many people don’t know about,” said Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce.
“This is one way that we can express our gratitude and appreciation for the committed service of our officers and civilians,” said Ponce.
