South Kohala patrolman recognized as ‘Officer of the Quarter’

Pictured (L-R): Captain Sherry Bird, Phoebe Barela, Officer Cory Gray, and Kelly Ah Nee
Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

South Kohala Patrol Officer Cory Gray was recognized Friday as the Hawaii Island Security and Safety Professionals Association’s Officer of the Quarter.

Gray was selected as the Officer of the Quarter for his “outstanding impaired driver enforcement, dedication to duty, professionalism, and commitment to keeping the South Kohala district roadways a safe place for everyone to travel,” a press release from the Hawaii Police Department reads. The commendation covers the third quarter of 2020.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Kohala roadways have seen a drastic decline in vehicles on the roadway, however, Officer Gray’s dedication to keeping South Kohala a safe place to travel to and from has never wavered. He relentlessly travels throughout the district, enforcing traffic laws and seeking out impaired drivers.

His efforts have resulted in the issuance of 44 citations for various traffic infractions and the arrest of nine individuals for drunken driving.

“Officer Gray embodies the Hawaii Police Department’s core values and displays them daily. Through his efforts, the South Kohala district remains a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business and he is well deserving of recognition as the ‘Officer of the Quarter,’” the press release reads.