LIHUE — There has been no time to rest for some of the nine graduates of the 86th Police Recruit Class as they head out for more training with their Kauai Police Department training officers, Executive Chief of Police Michael
LIHUE — There has been no time to rest for some of the nine graduates of the 86th Police Recruit Class as they head out for more training with their Kauai Police Department training officers, Executive Chief of Police Michael Contrades said Friday.
The graduation for nine members of the 86th Police Recruit Class marks the end of classroom work and drills as the new police officers are paired with training officers and take to the street for more training before becoming fully fledged.
“They are some smart people in that class,” said Dickie Chang, delivering the keynote address at the Kauai War Memorial Convention hall. “They have a variety of backgrounds and come from different places. But they are smart.”
Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo said it’s been 30 years since he was in the same spot as the graduates.
“I don’t know why I was there,” Rapozo said. “I hated cops. But as I went through the job, I realized why I became a policeman — to serve the people. You come from varied backgrounds, but there was something that made you become a police officer, and I hope you never forget the reason why you became one.”
Kauai Police Commission Chair Ernest Kaneakoa Jr. joined others in congratulating the new officers.
“People may love the police,” he said. “But they only call the police when they are not having a good day. As you go through your duties, never forget your families, and your support group.”
Outstanding award presentations included Ryan Bibilone II earning the Exceptional Physical Fitness award. Adam Milbocker was exceptional in firearms, and the Outstanding Recruit honors were bestowed on Stephen Harris.
Joining Bibilone, Milbocker and Harris, the new police officers include Richard Graham, Delhart Numazu III, Cynthia Reider, Christian Schaber, Damien Ventura and Christopher Young.
KPD sergeant Darla Abbatiello, who is in charge of recruiting new officers and served on the graduation ceremony committee, said a new recruit class is scheduled to start very soon.
