LIHUE — Kauai Police Department Lt. Rod Green assembled the morning watch and members of the Kauai Police Recruit Class at the Moikeha Building Monday morning.
“We take this opportunity to extend our warmest mahalo to our police officers, and peace officers for the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and many other sacrifices they have made,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “We recognize them for the duty they perform as sworn officials serving their communities by safeguarding life and property.”
The Kauai Police Department joined other police forces across the nation in commemorating those officers who, through their deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. Among those honored are officers who have become disabled in the performance of duty, and survivors of the fallen heroes.
Names of the Hawaii peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice were read by five members of the Police Recruit Class, including Samdi Makepa-Gillis, Steven Carvalho, Patrick Hutton, Nicholas Kam, and Royce Ka‘auwai who will, pending successful completion of their courses and examinations, will celebrate graduation next Thursday.
May 15 has been set aside as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week starting May 13 through 19 is observed as National Police Week.
Nationwide, a total of 1,511 law enforcement officers gave their lives for the safety and protection of others over the past 10 years, or an average of one death every 58 hours. In 2017, there were 129 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
