LIHU‘E — The 100th police academy recruit class became the newest members of the Kaua‘i Police Department after graduating in a ceremony at Kaua‘i Veterans Center on Thursday, June 6.
Lawrence Defontorum, Kasen Delos Reyes, Myles Mendoza, Brian Nono, Kaimani Tecson and Matthew VanAken took their oath of office and officially joined the ranks of the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD).
The ceremony, which was attended by family, friends and local officials, came after 23 weeks of classroom and field work that molded the six individuals into police officers.
“To each graduate, know this: in every interaction, every decision, you hold the power to make a positive difference,” said KPD Chief Todd Raybuck. “Today, marks not just a culmination of training, but the beginning of a journey where your dedication, compassion and integrity will shape lives. Congratulations, and embrace the profound impact you are destined to make.”
There were no diplomas visible but, instead, each officer received their badge from Raybuck. There was also the pinning of the badges by significant others, who represented the support the officers received from their respective families.
Although the six graduates represent the epitome of what they can each be, police academy instructors found those who were a step above in four different areas. Defontorum was noted as the most physically fit, while Delos Reyes was a step above in marksmanship and mastering the different weaponry available to KPD officers.
VanAken was named the most academic and Nono was the most outstanding recruit in the field of six individuals, who received words of inspiration and motivation from Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and KPD Chaplain Jade Wai‘ale‘ale Battad..
Each of the new officers are being paired with a field training officer, who will work with them for the next six month before the officers go solo.
The KPD is currently recruiting new officers to the force. According to a KPD spokesperson, the salary for a police officer ranges from about $72,000 to more than $118,000, annually. There is also a “robust” benefits package.
Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and prospective officers should be 20 years old or older. Applicants should not have any misdemeanor, felony or domestic violence convictions.
For more information, visit the website at www.kauai.gov.
