10 Recruits Join Ranks of Maui Police Department

First row (from left to right): Paul Pomainville, Reid Okazaki, Chad Romero, Andy Schuetz, Christopher Visaya.  Second row (left to right): Matthew Turpen, Joshua Black, Paul Feagai, Max Kincaid, Brent Takushi. Photo courtesy Maui Police Department.

By Wendy Osher

Ten individuals joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department as the members of the 78th Recruit Class took their professional oaths during a graduation ceremony held Friday, Nov. 1, at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului.

During the graduation ceremony, recruit Christopher Visaya received the department’s Outstanding Recruit Award.

Chief Gary Yabuta presenting the Outstanding Recruit Award to Officer Christopher Visaya. Photo courtesy MPD.

Other awards were issued to recruits: Matthew Turpen for Scholastic Achievement; Reid Okazaki received the Neil T. Endo Firearms Award; Andy Schuetz won the M. Cecil “Rusty” Dickson Award for Physical Fitness; Paul Feagai took home the award for Best Notebook; and Chad Romero received the Sensei Shinichi Suzuki Arrest Defense Tactics Award.

Members of the 78th Recruit class included: Joshua Black; Chad Romero; Paul Feagai; Andy Scheutz; Max Kincaid; Brent Takushi; Reid Okazaki; Matthew Turpen; Paul Pomainville; and Christopher Visaya.

The officers were sworn in after passing eight months of physical and academic requirements, before achieving their badges, according to Lt. William Juan.

The Maui Police Department also gave special recognition to Lt. Leighton Kanaele, who will be retiring at the end of this year.

As the commander of the plans and training section, this was the last Recruit Class that graduated under Kanaele’s supervision.

Maui Police Department’s 78th Graduating Recruit Class takes an oath at the Maui Beach Hotel’s Elleair Ballroom. Photo courtesy County of Maui.