LIHUE — Two Kauai Police Department lieutenants and five sergeants were honored with promotions Friday afternoon.
“This is a new beginning for the officers,” said Charles Iona, vice chair of the Kauai Police Commission. “You are at a crossroads. When you became officers, you were sworn to serve. Now, you will start a new journey. You’ll continue to serve, but now, in a leadership position.”
Sergeants Scott Brede and James Rodriguez were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Officers Charles Dubocage, Jesse Guirao, Kennison Nagahisa, Colin Nesbitt and Ray Takekawa were promoted to the rank of sergeant. The group was honored for their achievements and promotions Friday at Kauai Community College.
“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,” said Kauai 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.”
Among the guests, Ann Matsuoka, 90, was asked to pin the new badge on her grandson, Sgt. Takekawa.
“He came from the Mainland to be a police officer here,” Matsuoka said. “He stayed with me during that time. Today, my son wanted to come over from Honolulu, but couldn’t, and Ray asked if I could pin his badge.”
Takekuma is a 16-year veteran with KPD, starting with Traffic Safety Section seven years ago. He will remain with the Patrol Services Bureau.
Dubocage, a 7-year veteran with KPD is expected to transfer to PSB.
Guirao has served in various roles since 1999, most recently with the Lihue district PSB where he will continue to serve.
Nagahisa, a 13-year veteran with KPD will move from the Hanalei district to the Lihue district of PSB.
Nesbitt, starting his KPD career in 2006, served as an investigator with the Internal Service Bureau. His promotion will move him to PSB.
Lt. Brede, starting his KPD career in 1989, has served in both the ISB and the PSB, more recently as the acting district commander for the Lihue district PSB. Promoted to sergeant in 2002, Brede is expected to continue serving in PSB before taking a new assignment with the training unit of the Administrative and Technical Bureau.
Lt. Rodriguez, a 19-year veteran with KPD, has served as a beat officer in the Waimea and Lihue districts as well as being a school resource officer. His last three years has been as a detective and acting lieutenant to the Investigative Services Bureau, where he will remain as a lieutenant in the Special Focus Unit.
