LIHUE The graduation of the 91st recruit class of the Kauai Police Department on Thursday marked the completion of the first phase of training for Daniel Ball, Kyle Boehm, Tyler Chinen, Anthony Kunane Gayagas, Christian Kaui, Gaylan Ulu Matagiese, Shaun McClain and Anthony Puglia.
LIHUE — The graduation of the 91st recruit class of the Kauai Police Department on Thursday marked the completion of the first phase of training for Daniel Ball, Kyle Boehm, Tyler Chinen, Anthony “Kunane” Gayagas, Christian Kaui, Gaylan “Ulu” Matagiese, Shaun McClain and Anthony Puglia.
All were installed as new Kauai police officers.
Coming from different parts of the country, including here on Kauai, the eight grads received their shields to the enthusiastic cheering of several hundred supporters that included family, fellow police and law-enforcement officials, government dignitaries and family.
“These are weird times,” said County Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro. “Police are taken for granted by many people. And yet, they are the ones people want to see — and as quickly as possible — when things are not so good in their lives.”
Kaneshiro joined Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, KPD Chief Todd Raybuck, Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin of the Kauai Police Commission, and keynote speaker Pastor Tom Iannucci in thanking not just the graduates, but their families, for the support that enabled the new officers to step up to the task.
Gayagas was announced the recipient of the outstanding police recruit for his overall performance through the 28-week training program that started in July.
Ball was announced as the most physically fit of the eight recruits, and McClain was presented with the outstanding marksmanship honor in the class.
Sgt. Todd Tanaka said the graduation is just another step toward becoming a KPD officer, the next step being assigned in the field alongside an experienced officer.
Among the throng of people filing past the graduates, Sgt. Darla Nonaka stooped over to chat with a group of people.
“These are some of the recruits for the 92nd recruit class,” Nonaka said. “It’s already started.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
