LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is honoring officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “It is appropriate the Kaua‘i Police Department commemorates those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is honoring officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“It is appropriate the Kaua‘i Police Department commemorates those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty, and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. in a proclamation announcing May 13 through 17 as National Police Week.
KPD officers, government officials and community members joined the nation Monday in honoring law enforcement personnel who have fallen in the line of duty.
The annual memorial service, recognized on May 15, kicks off the week-long Police Week observance.
Deputy Chief Michael Contrades said for most of the officers, the work they do is more than just a job.
“It’s a profession,” Contrades said. “It’s a way of life.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday to pay tribute to local law enforcement officers and their families.
“In order to support the National Law Enforcement Memorial, my sister Davan, a Deputy U.S. Marshall, joined more than 1,800 officers last weekend in a 300-mile memorial bike ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C.,” Gabbard said in a release. “She honored the memory of three Hawai‘i officers killed in the line of duty last year — Eric Fontes, Chad Morimoto and Garret Davis.”
Jonel Kaohelauli‘i, marketing director at Kukui Grove Center, was making final adjustments on a KPD display that was unveiled Tuesday and will remain on exhibit through the remainder of the week.
“The law enforcement people do so much for our community, I’m glad we have Police Week so we can show our appreciation for the work they do to keep our community safe,” Kaohelauli‘i said.
Kaohelauli‘i also announced the winners of the Police Safety art contest for keiki which closed at noon Tuesday and was held in partnership with the Kaua‘i Police Department.
Kinohi Naihe, 9, was the grand prize winner with Kamekona Thompson, 6, Faith Tafua, 9, and Charlie Sauceda, 13, getting first-place awards.
Themes for the artwork ranged from Naihe’s message on the importance of ocean safety to Thompson’s rendering of school safety, emphasizing the need for pedestrians as well as motorists to be aware of safety.
The public will have an opportunity to get to know police better from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday when KPD hosts an open house, and people can tour the KPD Incident Command Vehicle.
