Officer and Employee Recognized at October Police Commission Meeting

Assistant Chief Roy Asher with Tech Sgt. Johnette Chun. Courtesy photo

LĪHU’E – Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry, Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades and the Kaua’i Police Commission presented both an Employee of the Month and Officer of the Month recognition at the October Police Commission meeting held at the Piikoi Building on October 26.

Tech Sergeant Johnette Chun, a civilian employee, was honored by the Kaua’i Police Department for her exemplary service to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU). As a counterdrug support, Kaua`i liaison, Chun serves as the primary liaison between KPD and the Hawai`i National Guard Counterdrug Support Program on drug interdiction missions.

Chun compiles, collects, researches and reviews data as directed by supervisors and officers in the NEU, and updates statistical information related to drugs, arrests and cases as required. She employs applicable intelligence gathering and covert operation techniques as directed, and assists in surveillance and other military-related tasks that are instrumental in the unit’s police operations.

“Johnette is an asset to the NEU and is always willing to help and provide assistance wherever and whenever she can,” stated Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau Roy Asher. “And she does this without complaint or negativity.”

Acting Sergeant Damien ‘Kaina’ McCallum was honored as the department’s Officer of the Month. McCallum has served with KPD since 2002 and is currently assigned to the Waimea District.

McCallum recently initiated a two-day police detail utilizing a squad of three officers to locate and arrest six individuals wanted on a total of 32 drug-related charges and one criminal contempt of court.

Chief Darryl Perry with Acting Sgt. Kaina McCallum. Courtesy photo

During that same week, Acting Sgt. McCallum led a truancy detail in Waimea after noticing a number of school-aged children loitering in Waimea town during school hours. During a 90-minute period, 10 juveniles were detained and returned back to school.

“Acting Sgt. McCallum continues to demonstrate his ability to lead and motivate his squad to serve and protect his community,” stated Assistant Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau Ale Quibilan. “He is able to identify areas of concern specific to his community and initiates the appropriate response.”