LIHU‘E — The graduation of the 97th Police Recruit Class on Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center capped a week of events at the Kaua‘i Police Department.
“Last Wednesday (Nov. 30), we celebrated the promotions of five sergeants and two lieutenants,” said KPD Chief Todd Raybuck. “Yesterday, we cooked pancakes for four people who are retiring, and today we celebrate these three new officers.”
Jason Overmyer and Stacy Perreira were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Ritchael Cariaga, Andrew Muraoka, Ariel Ramos, Macy Telles and Tyler Yates were promoted to the rank of sergeant, during ceremonies at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
“We thank all the promotees for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice in serving and protecting our community,” Raybuck said. “We wish them continued safety and success in their new assignments.”
The Tuesday pancake breakfast honored four employees for their years of service and dedication to KPD and the community.
Lt. Christopher Calio was on the KPD roster for 20 years and five months of service, and Emergency Services Dispatcher II Nellie Bunao marked 29 years of service, following their retirement that took effect at the close of business on Nov. 30.
Officers Orlino Antolin, with 10 years of service, and Chito Garduque, with two years of service as a public safety worker and 17 years of service as a police officer, will be retiring at the close of business on Dec. 30.
“We want to thank these employees for all of the years of sacrifice, dedication and steadfast service in keeping our community safe,” Raybuck said. “We wish them the best of health and happiness in retirement, or other next endeavors.”
The three 97th Police Recruit Class graduates — Officers Blaise K. Banquel, Christopher A. Bartlett and Ismael “Adam” Tabalno — were administered their oath of office by Raybuck, received their individual shields, and are ready for the next phase of training, leading to them becoming the newest KPD officers.
Lt. Kenneth Cummings, the day’s officiant, described these three as “the cream of the crop” after surviving and succeeding in the road to becoming a police officer. From January through May 31, there were 116 applicants for the class, Cummings said. Of these, 75 made it through the first phase, with 45 of those advancing to background checks. Of the 45 who went through the background checks, these three are still standing of those who initially applied to be police officers.
Special recognition for the officers included Tabalno earning the physical fitness award, Banquel being awarded for marksmanship, and Bartlett receiving the outstanding police recruit award.
Bartlett, who arrived on Kaua‘i in 2020 to work for the Transportation Security Administration, succeeded in receiving his police officer credentials on his second attempt, his first falling short because of illness.
“He was almost there,” Raybuck said. “But he became ill and had to withdraw from the class. His determination and dedication to becoming a police officer is truly commendable.”
Banquel fought hard to keep the tears from flowing when his dad Phil, a KPD officer, pinned his badge, and presented him a picture of Blaise’s late uncle David, another KPD officer.
Anthony Guerrero of the U.S. Marine Corps waited patiently for the congratulatory line to wane, clutching a wooden warrior spear to present to Tabalno.
“This is from his wife,” Guerrero said. “She wanted me to present it to him.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
