Officer of the Month Recognized at Police Commission Meeting

The Kauai Police Department recognized the department’s Officer of the Month at Friday’s Police Commission meeting held at the Pi‘ikoi Building.

The Investigative Services Bureau (ISB) nominated Detective Bernard Purisima as the lead investigator in the armed robbery at the Kapa‘a Pharmacy in September.

The investigation revealed that a suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the pharmacy and demanded prescription medication. The pharmacist complied with the demands and the suspect fled the scene.

While police had a description of the individual, there were no immediate leads in the case. Following a four-day investigation led by Det. Purisima, police identified and arrested the 42-year-old male suspect and recovered key evidence in the case.

The suspect was charged with first-degree robbery and the case has since been transferred to the Attorney General’s Office for federal prosecution.

“We commend Sgt. Bernard Purisima for his exemplary investigation and dedication to his duties, and congratulate him on being selected as the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Officer of the Month,” stated Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry.

Several patrol officers and detectives were in attendance for the recognition ceremony. Upon receiving his award, Det. Purisima noted that several officers and detectives were involved in this investigation and all should be commended for their diligence in solving this case.

Photo, L-R: Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry; Det. Bernard Purisima; Executive Chief Michael Contrades; Acting Assistant Chief of the ISB Richard Rosa.