The Hawaii Police Department’s 83rd Recruit Class was recognized Tuesday during ceremonies held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
The recruits completed six months of intensive training and have four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
Class President Adam M.K. Cho said the recruits built a strong bond over the course of their training. They chose “Imua e na ikaika Loa,” which means “The mighty push forward,” as their class motto.
“This motto represents us with our motivation and drive for whatever was thrown our way,” Cho said.
During the ceremony, friends or family members pinned new police badges on each police recruit. Chief Harry Kubojiri described the badge as a symbol of public trust.
“Keep it always shining as an example of your inner self,” he said.
Mayor Billy Kenoi said only 400 of the 2,500 county employees are presented with a gun, a badge and the power to make arrests. With that, he said, comes “incredible responsibility.”
Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra emphasized the importance of credibility, humility, courtesy, objectivity, awareness that the public is watching, expectation of the unexpected and common sense.
Police Commissioner Robert Gomes, a retired police officer who continues working as a reserve officer, told the recruits it is “a great honor” to get into the Hawaii Police Department.
The keynote speaker was Deputy Prosecutor Ricky Roy Damerville. He stressed that a member of the public who comes into contact with any police officer is a “future juror” who can form an opinion about police officers as a group.
“Being polite pays off,” he said.
During the ceremony, three officers received special recognition for excellence. They were Terence G. Scanlan Jr., who received the academic award, Christopher R. Barto, who received the firearms award, and Bryson K. Pilor, who received the physical fitness award.
