Kaua‘i marks police week, police memorial day

LIHU‘E — Complications with COVID-19 claimed the life of a Kaua‘i Police Department officer in early 2022.

The KPD officer joins the list of 319 fatalities in 2021 who perished from COVID-19-related illness, and one of 619 officers killed in the line of duty.

Officers falling in the line of duty were remembered with the prayer for police led by KKP Chaplain and kahu Jade Wai‘ale‘ale Battad and KPD Chief Todd Raybuck during ceremonies marking Kaua‘i’s participation in the national Police Memorial Day and ensuing Police Week.

“This year, as we honor National Police Week from May 15 through 21, and Police Officers Memorial Day, we remember and pay tribute to the fallen, and we express our deep appreciation for our law enforcement officers who continue to place their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in his proclamation of National Police Week.

“The Kaua‘i Police Department commemorates those law enforcement officers throughout our country who have chosen to protect and serve their community and have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Joining Kawakami, Kaua‘i Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro and Councilmember Bernard Carvalho Jr. became one with the group of KPD leadership in observing a prayer for fallen law enforcement officers.

“Law enforcement plays an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens,” states the council certificate observing Police Week. “It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of the members of law enforcement who recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against oppression and unceasingly provide a vital public service.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a presidential proclamation that designated May 15 as Police Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week, in honor of those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, or have become disabled in the performance of their duty, and to remember and pay respect to the survivors of those fallen heroes.