Police Chief Darryl Perry stands with November Officers of the Month, Lt. Paul Applegate and Sgt. Kalani Ke, and Deputy Chief Michael Contrades.
By Staff Reports
(LĪHU’E)- – Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry and the Kaua’i Police Commission presented November and December Employee of the Month awards at Friday’s Police Commission meeting held at the Piikoi Building.
Lt. Paul Applegate and Sgt. Kalani Ke were recognized as November’s Employees of the Month for their work with the Citizens’ Police Academy. In addition to their assigned responsibilities with the Internal Affairs Unit, both officers were tasked with organizing and managing the Citizens’ Police Academy and its weekly courses. The academy began in July of 2012 and has already graduated two classes.
“Lt. Applegate and Sgt. Ke are always professional, courteous and diligent,” stated Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades. “Their tireless efforts and sacrifices have made the Citizens’ Police Academy a success, and it has brought a better understanding of the department and the field of law enforcement to members of our community. We are truly grateful for their efforts in bringing our department and our community together.”
The December Employee of the Month recognition was awarded to several individuals, both within and outside of the department, who worked together to fulfill the ambitious goal of having all police department vacancies filled by mid-2013.
“For many years, the Kaua’i Police Department has struggled to fill its police officer vacancies,” stated Deputy Chief Contrades. “In April of 2012, members of the Administrative and Technical Bureau were tasked with hiring police officers and starting a recruit class by December. Through their collective tenacity, ingenuity and teamwork, they revamped the recruitment process and completed the goal.”
Under the direction of Acting Assistant Chief Sherwin Perez, over 20 people from within the Administrative and Technical Bureau, numerous employees from the Department of Personnel Services, along with individual contractors were recognized for their collective efforts.
Employees of the Month who were present at Friday’s Police Commission meeting stand with their certificates following the recognition ceremony.
The December awardees are as follows:
- Acting Assistant Chief Kaleo Perez
- Acting Captain Dan Miyamoto
- Lt. Robert Gausepohl
- Sgt. Darla Abbatiello
- Sgt. Christopher Calio
- Sgt. Roderick Green
- Officer Allen Santella
- Howell Kaleohano
- Paul Baumung
- Eric Arroyo
- Karen Padilla
- Sheri Nakashima
- Vivian Akina
- Daurice Arruda
- David Corey
- Brian Fujiuchi
- Malcolm Fernandez
- Thomas Takatsuki
- Joyce Schuierer
- Erin Takekuma
- Kathy Tanita
- Crystal Fujikawa
- Telissa Agbulos
“While many of our personnel were involved in the hiring process, these key individuals went above and beyond to meet our internal deadline and they are each deserving of recognition for their outstanding efforts,” added Deputy Chief Contrades.