LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Capt. Michael Contrades was sworn in Friday as deputy police chief during a public ceremony attended by more than 50 fellow officers and as many community representatives. Contrades replaces Assistant Chief Mark Begley, who served as
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Capt. Michael Contrades was sworn in Friday as deputy police chief during a public ceremony attended by more than 50 fellow officers and as many community representatives.
Contrades replaces Assistant Chief Mark Begley, who served as deputy chief under Chief Darryl Perry until January 2011. Begley was reassigned assistant chief of the Administrative and Technical Bureau, according to the KPD.
Fifth Circuit Deputy Chief Judge Judge Trudy Senda issued the oath of office to the 17-year KPD veteran. She said working with Contrades has gone very well for the past decade.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. went back further, recalling Contrades as a young Eagle Scout. “He was always trying to do good for somebody,” the mayor said.
Carvalho said Contrades is a natural leader who brings personnel in the department together and who excels at working with the community.
Police Chief Darryl Perry described the many supervisory roles the deputy chief must handle within the department, in addition to chairing several committees for internal affairs and the community.
With the help of assistant bureau commanders, the deputy chief provides oversight for the Investigative Services Bureau, Patrol Services Bureau, district offices and substations, and administrative and technical bureaus. He serves as acting chief when Perry is off-island.
When it was his turn to speak, Contrades said he looks forward to using his role to bring the department and the community closer together. He thanked Perry for his confidence and his family for their support.
“Chief Perry says if you are not moving forward, then you are regressing,” Contrades said. “I pledge to do my best to help this department improve and move forward.”
Contrades has been involved with major investigations including Operation Green Stream and Operation Garden Ice in partnership with federal, state and local agencies. Yet, he said the some of the finest officers he has served with are right here with the KPD.
Police Commissioner Tom Iannucci described Contrades as a leader who will bring the department together, and County First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane also praised Contrades.
The new deputy police chief’s spouse, Darlene Contrades, and their two children, Micah and Courtney, were present at the ceremony.
Contrades has served in operations at the Patrol Services Bureau since January when he was promoted to captain.
He joined KPD as a patrol officer in 1994 and has since served in many roles, including district commander of the Hanalei Station.
