By Staff Reports
(Kauai)– The Kaua’i Police Department held a ceremony at Kaua’i Community College this afternoon to honor the promotions of seven officers, two to the rank of Lieutenant and five to the rank of Sergeant.
Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry and Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. offered congratulatory remarks at today’s ceremony, as did Deputy Chief Michael Contrades, Council Chair Jay Furfaro, Police Commission Vice Chair Charles Iona, and Acting Lt. Bryson Ponce, board secretary for the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.
“It is with great honor that we are recognizing this group of fine officers who have committed themselves to public service and our close-knit community,” stated Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “I ask that you continue to be guided by integrity, professionalism and treating others with dignity, as that represents who we are as law enforcement officers.”
The promotions will take effect on Sunday, followed by a one-week leadership and development course. The officers will then begin their new assignments on June 9.
The rigorous process to become a Sergeant and Lieutenant began several months ago, and required the officers to pass a comprehensive written exam and assessment process to test their knowledge and suitability for the position.
Sergeants Scott Brede and James Rodriguez were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant were Officers Charles Dubocage, Jesse Guirao, Kennison Nagahisa, Colin Nesbitt, and Ray Takekawa.
Lt. Scott K. Brede began his career with KPD in 1989, serving in both the Investigative and Patrol Services bureaus, and most recently as the Acting District Commander for the Patrol Services Bureau (PSB) Līhu’e district. Lt. Brede was promoted to Sergeant in 2002. Now a Lieutenant, Brede is expected to continue serving in PSB for a brief time before taking a new assignment with the Training Unit of the Administrative and Technical Bureau (ATB).
Lt. James A. Rodriguez is a 19-year veteran of the department who worked as a beat officer in the Waimea and Līhu’e districts as well as a School Resource Officer. Rodriguez has dedicated the last three years to the Investigative Services Bureau (ISB) as a detective and Acting Lieutenant. He will remain with ISB as a Lieutenant in the Special Focus Unit.
Newly promoted Sgt. Charles V. Dubocage, a seven-year veteran who spent the last three years in ISB, is now expected to transfer to PSB.
Sgt. Jesse J. Guirao has served in various roles since 1999, most recently with the Līhu’e district of PSB, where he will remain.
Also remaining in PSB will be Sgt. Kennison L. Nagahisa, who has been with the department for the past 13 years. Sgt. Nagahisa will move from the Hanalei to Lihue district of PSB.
Sgt. Colin D. Nesbitt, who began his career in 2006 and served most recently as an investigator with ISB, will now transfer to PSB.
Finally, Sgt. Ray M. Takekawa, a 16-year veteran, who has been with Traffic Safety Section for the past seven years, will remain with PSB.
“Under the current leadership, KPD has come a long way in creating a better police department,” stated Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. “As these newly promoted officers now join the leadership ranks, they too will help to shape the future of the department and help to create a better, safer place for all of us to live and raise our families.”