KPD promotes four officers at special ceremony Thursday

From left to right, Mayor Derek Kawakami, Lt. Darren Rose, Lt. Anthony Morita, Sgt. Kristopher Breyer, Sgt. Rolland Peahu Jr. and Chief Todd Raybuck. Photos courtesy of KPD

The Kaua‘i Police Department held a special ceremony last Thursday to promote four officers at its headquarters in Līhu‘e, according to a news release from the County of Kaua‘i.

“Today is not the end of what you worked so hard for, it is just the beginning. Now the real hard work begins; expanding your influence as a leader in this organization,” said KPD Chief Todd Raybuck during the ceremony. “Congratulations again for earning your new rank. I am excited to see you grow into new leaders in this department and witness the positive impact you will have on our department and community.”

Anthony “A.J.” Morita was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. A Kaua‘i native, he started his career at KPD as an officer in the Patrol Services Bureau in 2006. By 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as Cellblock Supervisor, Field Training Supervisor and also as Acting Administrative Lieutenant. Later, he was assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau as a Detective where he investigated property and major crimes. Most recently, his assignment has been with the Administrative and Technical Bureau where he has served as the supervisor for the School Resource Officers, worked with K-PAL, as well as handled community relations and research and development. His badge was pinned on by his father, Wesley, with a special dedication to his mother, the late Teresa Bukoski.

Darren Rose was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Originally from California, he moved to Kaua‘i in 1993. He started his career at KPD in 2000 and was assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. During this time, he was also awarded the Drug Enforcement Star Medal on two occasions. He transferred to the Vice/Narcotics Unit in 2005 and was a member of the Drug Enforcement Administrative Task Force and Clandestine Lab Team. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2010 and continued with his assignments in the Investigative Services Bureau. Eight years later, he transferred back to the Patrol Services Bureau and was assigned as the Acting Lieutenant for the Līhu‘e and Kawaihau districts. Not to mention, he was “Employee of the Month” in 2002, 2006, 2009, and twice in 2015. He was also “Employee of the Year” in 2015 and “Top Cop” in 2016. His badge was pinned on by his son, Dalton.

Kristopher “Kris” Breyer was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Born and raised in Minnesota, he graduated magna cum laude from Clarke University in 2005. He started his career at KPD in 2013 and has been assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. He is also a member of the Special Response Team, a Drug Recognition Expert, and was a Field Training Officer. In 2018, he was granted the “Life Saving Award” and has been recognized as an “Employee of the Month.” His badge was pinned on by his daughter, Eloise, with the help of his father, Dennis.

Rolland Peahu Jr. was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, he attended Kamehameha Schools on O‘ahu and graduated from Kaua‘i High School in 1979. Prior to joining the department more than two decades ago, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology. He was most recently assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau in the Hanalei District. He is also a Drug Recognition Expert and has served as a Field Training Officer. He’s been awarded “Officer of the Month,” twice, and has received numerous awards from “Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.” His badge was pinned on by his wife, Susan.

The Master of Ceremony for Thursday’s event was Acting Captain Kenneth “Ken” Cummings. The pinning of the badges was preceded with a blessing by Officer Morris “Mo” Unutoa and speeches by Mayor S. K. Kawakami and Chief Raybuck.