VIDEO: 13 Recruits Join Ranks of Maui Police Department

Maui Police Department, 77th Recruit Class. Photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU7miMlTB5w /] By Wendy Osher

Thirteen individuals joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department as members of the 77th Recruit Class took their professional oaths during a graduation ceremony held Friday, April 12, at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului.

“We came from different states such as (New) Jersey, Alaska, Kentucky, and California. We are former military, paramedics, security guards, mechanics, students and construction workers,” said Ian Custer, the recruit class president in his commencement address.

He continued saying, “Today, on April 12, 2013, we are going forward as police officers with the Maui Police Department.  77th Recruit Class, prepare for graduation.”

Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta also addressed the new recruits saying, “The badge that you are about to receive is like none other… as distinctive as our badge is, it is very much a police badge and describes who we are. By reputation, we are entrusted by our community to fight for justice; and we are committed to let our people live free and without fear.”

During the graduation ceremony, recruit Eric Grundy received the department’s Outstanding Recruit Award.

The MPD’s Outstanding Recruit Award went to Eric Grundy (middle). Photo by Wendy Osher.

Grundy was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated from St. Xavier High School.  Before joining the MPD recruit class, he was previously employed at Whole Foods as a cashier.

Grundy also earned top honors for his firearms accuracy, and defense tactics.

Other awards were issued to recruits: Ryan Tengan for Scholastic Achievement; Eleazer Bartolome for Physical Fitness; and Joseph Delos Santos for Best Notebook.

The complete run-down of honors is as follows:

Scholastic Achievement Award: (1) Ryan Tengan 96.52%; (2) Eric Grundy 96.38%; and (3) Joseph Delos Santos 95.72%.

Neil T. Endo Firearms Award: (1) Eric Grundy; (2-tie) Ryan Tengan and Todd Throne; and (3) Aaron Williams.

M. Cecil “Rusty” Dickson Award for Physical Fitness: (1) Eleazer Bartolome; (2) David Doherty; and (3) Joseph Delos Santos.

Members of the Maui Police Department’s 77th Recruit Class take the officer’s oath during graduation. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Best Notebook Award:  (1) Joseph Delos Santos; (2) Eleazer Bartolome; and (3) Eric Grundy.

Sensei Shinishi Suzuki Arrest Defense Tactics Award: (1) Eric Grundy; (2) Ian Custer; and (3) Mark Supnet.

Outstanding Recruit Award: Eric Grundy.

Members of the 77th Recruit class included: Eleazer Bartolome, Troy Butero, Ian Custer (class president), Joseph Delos Santos, David Doherty, Eric Grundy, Coulson Joy, Stephen Kelly, Robert Partridge, Mark Supnet, Ryan Tengan, Todd Throne, and Aaron Williams.

“Today, at the end of recruit training, we are 13 brothers,” said Custer.  “We are no longer just classmates; we are ʻohana.  We know each others’ strengths, but more importantly, we know each others’ weaknesses and how to overcome them.  From nervous anxiety to stress to anger, we are able to pick up what is going on and offer the support that is needed.”