KPD Honors 87th Police Recruit Class Graduates

The 87th Police Recruit Class poses for a group photo after receiving lei from family and friends following the pinning of the badges. Front Row, left to right, Bobilee Silva; Anthony Honorato; Ashley Carillo; and Ariel Ramos. Back Row, left to right, Eric Ogihara; Stacy Lockhart; Kalani Apilado; Kevin Gras; Scott Logue; and Derrick Kelley. Photo courtesy of Kaua‘i Police Explorer Jadyn Mercer-Cayabyab.

The Kaua‘i Police Department held its 87^th Police Recruit graduation ceremony last month at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center, according to a county press release.

The ceremony began with an invocation by Police Chaplain Thomas Contrades. Master of Ceremony Captain Paul Applegate then introduced the 10 recruits: Kalani Apilado; Ashely Carillo; Kevin Gras; Anthony Honorato; Derrick Kelley; Stacy Lockhart; Scott Logue; Eric Ogihara; Ariel Ramos; and Bobilee Silva.

In his keynote address, Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry said the quality of recruits is continually improving at the department and he also stressed the increased challenges and dangers that police officers face.

“The most important characteristics of a police officer is his or her moral courage and ethical character,” Perry said. “This will lead you to be tolerant of criticism and understanding when you don’t receive the recognition you deserve for going above the call of duty.”

Special awards were also presented to several members of the class.

The Physical Fitness award was presented to Kalani Apilado and Ashley Carillo for showing the most improved physical abilities. Anthony Honorato was awarded the Marksmanship award for demonstrating an outstanding level of firearms proficiency and safe handling. Apilado was also honored as the Most Outstanding Recruit for excelling in all areas of the rigorous training while building camaraderie in the group.

Guest speakers included Police Commission Chair Charles Iona, Kaua‘i County Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

“For those of us who will never know what it’s like to put on a uniform, we can only imagine how recent events across the nation have impacted you,” Carvalho said to the group. “It is difficult to articulate the challenges you will face and the courage it will take to overcome them, and yet you stand here today, ready to take your oath to serve and protect. We are here to say thank you for your commitment to serve your mission and your community.”

The graduation ended with the swearing-in of officers led by Chief Perry, followed by the ceremonial pinning of the badges.

The police recruit graduation ceremony is the culmination of six months and over 1,400 hours of classroom and reality-based training. Following graduation, each police services officer was assigned a field-training officer to shadow for the next four months. Upon successful completion of the 16-week program, they will become full-fledged officers.

Visit www.kauai.gov/police or call 241-1669 for more information.