KPD recognizes officer, employee of the year

LIHU‘E — Michael Lane and Lt. Mark Scribner have been chosen as Kaua‘i Police Department’s outstanding employee and officer of the year, respectively.

“These two men exemplify KPD’s mission to practice the principle of being pono and the core values of respect, integrity and professionalism,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry in a county press release. 

Lane, KPD’s employee of the year, is assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau and began working for the department about three years ago. His assignment at the Lihu‘e headquarters, the busiest station on the island, is a demanding one. As the senior clerk, Lane compiles and prepares documents from all districts on the island for distribution. He is the first person to greet people as they walk into the bureau office and directs them, along with all callers, to the appropriate resource for assistance, the press release said.

“Given the nature of his position, Lane often works with people that can be less than polite,” said Patrol Services Bureau Capt. Michael Contrades. “One of the things I admire most about him is his ability to help everyone while maintaining a high level of respect and professionalism, no matter the circumstance.”

Due to a current staffing shortage, Lane performs the duties of two clerks while providing mentorship and training for incoming clerks.

Aside from his assigned work duties, Lane is a voluntary member of the KPD’s Relief Association, a non-profit agency created to assist members of the police department in times of need. He also takes it upon himself to recycle and reuse office supplies as a way to cut down waste and unnecessary spending.

“Lane is a truly dedicated, hard-working employee. He strives to make a difference in our department and has a ‘can-do’ attitude that is instantly recognizable and consistent,” Contrades added.

Lt. Mark Scribner, KPD’s officer of the year, began his police service in 1987. He has over 17 years with the Traffic Safety Unit, first as an officer, then sergeant and now as the unit’s lieutenant.

Under Scribner’s direction, the unit procured the latest equipment in speed and alcohol enforcement, as well as traffic safety equipment. He is responsible for training all personnel to operate the equipment and for ensuring that the equipment is well maintained, the press release said.

Scribner also serves as the senior traffic commander for the state and worked on the new ignition interlock law when it was being drafted. He was also involved in the creation, execution and training for the new statewide motor vehicle accident reports.

“Lt. Scribner has a deep commitment to keeping our roads safe. But of all of his contributions, his commitment to the Shattered Dreams program could be the most impressive. This is an incredible event that requires the coordination of dozens of organizations and involves hundreds of our local keiki each year,” said Patrol Services Bureau Assistant Chief Alejandre Quibilan.

Shattered Dreams, a nationwide program targeted to high school juniors and seniors, is an annual event that takes students through a staged fatal traffic collision. It gives students a realistic view of the dangers of drinking and driving, from time of impact to a mock court trial, ending with a mock funeral.

Scribner spearheads the Kaua‘i program each year, which is a collaborative effort that includes KPD, the Anti-Drug Office, the state Department of Education, students, parents and all agencies typically involved in the aftermath of a fatal traffic crash.

Considered an expert in his field, Scribner has gone on to help other counties in the state to plan and execute their own Shattered Dreams program.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States,” Perry said.  “This is a rare and eye-opening experience for students and parents alike to grasp the dangers of drinking and driving. This is precisely the type of proactive education that has and will continue to save our children’s lives.”