LIHU‘E — Three Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) officers were selected for “Officer of the Year” awards at the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Official Association’s 67th annual conference earlier this month in Waikoloa, Hawai‘i Island, with a Kaua‘i officer being selected for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
LIHU‘E — Three Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) officers were selected for “Officer of the Year” awards at the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Official Association’s 67th annual conference earlier this month in Waikoloa, Hawai‘i Island, with a Kaua‘i officer being selected for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
County of Kaua‘i officials released the news in an Oct. 6 statement, announcing it was the first time the event had been held since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The association honored KPD Officer Jason Scalzo as a 2021 Officer of the Year, KPD Officer Kalani Apilado for 2022 and KPD Lt. Philip Banquel for 2023.
A total of 18 other officers from other Hawaiian Islands were noted to have received the “Officer of the Year” award for 2020 through 2023.
“Every day, our police officers make great sacrifices in services to our community,” said KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck in a statement. “I am proud to honor each of the Officers of the Year who have gone above the call of duty to save a life, conduct proactive drug investigations, and perform policing efforts,” he added.
The selection criteria for the awards were not stated.
According to county officials, Raybuck will serve as the president of the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Official Association in 2024, when the ceremony will also be hosted on Kaua‘i.
“I look forward to the opportunity to host next year’s Officers of the Years award ceremony here on Kaua‘i to celebrate and honor the distinguished work of our law enforcement officers from across the state and federal partners,” said Raybuck in a statement.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
