Fallen Maui Officer Suzanne O remembered for her service, love and compassion

Fallen hero, Maui Police Officer, Suzanne O was remembered as compassionate and genuine during a memorial service on Friday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The service followed a procession that started at Nakamura’s Mortuary and passed in front of the Maui Police Station where fellow officers and community members gathered to pay their respects.

Officer O died in the line of duty while responding to an “in-progress terroristic threatening” incident at the Pāʻia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue on Aug. 15, 2025.  

A series of speakers shared reflections of her life, service and her impact on those she touched.

Retired, Maui Police Department Sergeant, Kehau Medeiros, served alongside Officer O and knew her as both a colleague and a friend.

“Suzanne is my best friend and my bonus sister,” said Sgt. Medeiros, who met Suzanne when she transferred to Wailuku Patrol from Kīhei. “I had watched many female officers join the department after me, but she stood out from the rest.”

The two forged a friendship, meeting for morning coffee, meals and off duty. “We would talk for hours in the parking lot after our shift, and then realize the next shift was coming to work,” said Medeiros.

Medeiros’ son, Noah is credited with creating, producing and editing the Maui Police Department recruitment video that features Officer O, as his senior project for the University of Hawaiʻi.

“I had just taken over recruitment as a sergeant, and I wanted Suzanne to be the female face of the department,” said Medeiros. According to Medeiros, O was hesitant to be on camera until she learned it was a project for Noah.

“Our quality of friendship was beyond. We became best friends and agreed we were torn from the same cloth,” said Medeiros. “We called each other Bessie instead of bestie and had this goofy two hand wave [for when] we would see each other in person or on FaceTime. We worked hard and we played harder. We would look at each other’s work schedule and notice we both volunteered to work on our days off.”

Medeiros said there were many trips, journeys, milestones, and stages of life they shared. “We were each other’s biggest cheerleaders and gatekeeper of all secrets. No matter the distance, everyday conversations, text messages were all important. I looked through our call logs and [there was] nothing less than two hours,” she said.

Officer O’s niece and goddaughter, Oleya O read a letter saying, “Auntie Suzanne was very special to me.” Oleya asked: “Promise you’ll always visit me in my dreams, and please don’t forget about me.” She also thanked her Auntie for loving her “more than this world,” and called her “my favorite, beautiful police officer.”

Maui Police Department Chief John Pelletier, reflected on O’s service, her sacrifice, and her enduring legacy.

“Today we come in sorrow and in gratitude to honor Officer Suzanne O. Her life was cut far too short, but in the years she served she left an indelible mark on this department and the community she loved,” said Pelletier.

“When we look at a headstone or a memorial plaque, we see two dates—the date a person was born, and the date that they left us. But what matters most is the dash in between those dates,” he said. “That dash represents the life they lived, the choices they made [and] the love they shared.”

“Officer Suzanne O filled her dash with service, compassion and with courage. She served with us for five years, bringing with her the values of family, faith and strength from her roots in American Samoa. She was a proud member of the MPD Honor Guard—a symbol of respect and dignity; and today, it is our turn to stand in honor of her,” said Pelletier.

“What truly defined her dash were the small, quiet moments of kindness. She fed those who were hungry. She was kind to strangers. She showed patience and respect even on the hardest of calls. These weren’t things she did for recognition or for praise. These were simply who she was,” Pelletier said.

Chief Pelletier said Officer O’s compassion was intertwined into her service. He said it touched lives in many ways—”Ways we may never fully know,” he said.

To her ʻohana, Pelletier said O will always be a part of the MPD family. “We share your grief and we promise her sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said. “Officer Suzanne, your watch has ended, but your legacy will endure in the lives you have touched and in the hearts of all who knew you. Rest in peace. We will carry on in your honor. God bless you.”

Representatives with the State Organization of Police Officers shared their sympathies in a message after the service concluded. “In the face of this darkness, the people of Maui and across Hawaiʻi have shown an overwhelming outpouring of support, for which we are profoundly grateful. We will honor Suzanne’s memory by continuing to serve with the courage and dedication she embodied every day,” said Nick Schlapak, Vice President, SHOPO.

Nick Krau, SHOPO Maui Chapter Chair said that as he grieved today, he was also reminded of something profound: “Even in the wake of this tragedy, more than 300 officers continue to stand watch over Maui County. They serve with courage, risking their lives every day to protect our residents and visitors. I am immensely proud of Officer O, and every officer who continues to protect Maui County.  Our entire community should be proud of them too.”

MPD Capt. Joy Medeiros offered similar sentiments at the memorial service saying, “In an era where criticism overflows and negativity is plentiful, your support is rejuvenating and inspiring and necessary,” said . “To my fellow sisters and brothers in blue, this is a harsh reality we face. Each of us know when we cross that blue line, this is a possibility. And while it’s a possibility for anyone at any time, the sacrifice is different when you willingly lay down your life for the safety of others. Let this continue to unite us and encourage us to fight the good fight,” she said.

The service also included a special performance by King’s Maui Hula ministry. A video montage included her own words in clips from the recruitment video she participated in.

An end of watch announcement was then broadcast on all channels:

“Attention all officers… Officers Suzanne O faithfully served the Maui Police Department and the County of Maui for five years. Distinguished as an exceptional officer, dedicated Honor Guard member, and skilled 911 call taker. She embodied skill, tenacity, courage, and compassion in all that she did. We are all better for having known her. Employee number 30881 callsign One-Alpha-30 Officer Suzanne O. End of watch Aug. 15, 2025.”

A final salute was offered by the Hawaiʻi National Guard, followed by Taps and a flower drop on the front lawn of the Castle Theater, as a symbol of aloha and eternal remembrance.

Chief Pelletier presented flags to Officer O’s family, in honor of her faithful service to the County of Maui and the Maui Police Department.

Chaplain Jennifer Cross offered a closing prayer.

A program for the memorial reads:

“Beloved daughter, sister, and dedicated public servant, Suzanne gave her life in the line of duty. Born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, she was predeceased by her parents Jong and Suasua, and is survived by sister Linda, brothers Tuiloli, Shen, and Chellemine, her boyfriend Officer Alex Pagan, and his children Naheana, Xander, and Kamaiya. A graduate of Farrington High School and member of MPD’s 91st Recruit Class, Suzanne Served in both Kihei and Wailuku Patrol Districts and was a proud member of the Honor Guard.

Suzanne was known for her selflessness, compassion, and dedication to protecting her community. Beyond her services, she treasured time with her family and loved ones.

Suzanne leaves behind a legacy of courage, kindness and devotion. She will be remembered as a protector, a helper, and a friend who lived with integrity and heart.”

Officer O will also be honored on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 at Valley of the Temple in Kāneʻoheon Oʻahu. That observance includes a private service from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. followed by public visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., a ceremony from 12 to 1 p.m., and a reception to follow from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Maui Police Department announced that a memorial fund has been established to honor and remember fallen Officer Suzanne O.

“The Suzanne O Memorial Fund will help support her loved ones during this difficult time and keep her legacy of selfless service alive,” according to department officials. 

• MPD’s The Suzanne O Memorial Fund
  • Send donation checks made payable to “The Suzanne O Memorial Fund” to: 
    Shen O, PO Box 331278, Kahului, HI 96733. 
    If online donations for the MPD’s Suzanne O Memorial Fund become available, the department will share an update.
• SHOPO Benevolent Fund (Details on the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers option are available online).