20 RECRUITS GRADUATE INTO THE MPD RANKS

20 officers join the ranks of the Maui Police Department after graduating in the 70^th Recruit Class-one of the larger classes in recent years.  Members completed 8 months of recruit training and will be assigned to the Field Training Officer Program for the next four months.

(Photo Courtesy, Maui Police Department, *Note- Missing from the photo is Officer Brian Kibby.)

Five recruits earned department awards including Taylor Kamakawiwo’ole who was named outstanding recruit; Melanie Ramsey was honored for scholastic achievement; Ryan Nagata for Firearms use; Kawika Hong for Physical Fitness and Lawrence Castaneda for Best Notebook.

The class selected Sergeant Stacey Yamashita with the Outstanding Instructor Award.  They also presented Sergeant Mark Joaquin with the Warrior Award, for his dedication and hours of training the class for their future career.

Members of the class are Wilfred Ahuna, Emiterio Alvarez, Janae Balag, Craig Carter, Lawrence Castaneda, Clinton Gouveia, Lisa Haupu, Mona Matsui, Kawika Hong, Taylor Kamakawiwo’ole, Brian Kibby, Nicholas Losvar, Marlon Madariaga, Ryan Nagata, Angela Perry, Jan Pontanilla, Melanie Ramsey, Jensen Somera, Randy Takayama and Michael Vaitu’ulala.

The graduation ceremony was held on June 26, 2009, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kaanapali. In addition to the 20 recruits, one member from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources DOCARE (Department of Conservation and Resource Enforcement), Jeffrey Kinores, also graduated with the 70^th class.

(Photo Courtesy, Maui Police Department, *Note- Missing from the photo is Officer Brian Kibby.)  (Posted by:  Wendy Osher)