WAIKOLOA — Every day, law enforcement and security professionals put themselves at risk to protect Hawaii, its citizens and visitors, often unrecognized and under-appreciated. On Oct. 20 however, two Big Island men were honored with awards at the 32nd Annual Law Enforcement and Security Coalition of Hawaii’s Top Cop Award Ceremony at Hawaii Prince Hotel in Honolulu.
Randle Crowe of Waikoloa received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Crowe, with 39 years of experience in military and civilian law enforcement, security and investigations, is a U.S. Air Force veteran. While stationed at Hickam Air Force Base on Oahu, he worked with and received commendations for security details for President Nixon and Vice President Agnew and their families, and the Apollo 13 astronauts.
He served for five years with the Department of the Attorney General, State of Hawaii, including executive protection for Governor George R. Ariyoshi and his family members. In 1986, Crowe and wife, Pinkie, moved to the Big Island and began work as director of safety &security at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, where he hosted the first Hawaii Hotel Security State Conference in 1 987.
He also lead the risk management department at Mauna Kea Resort, and was island coordinator for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk in 1999 and 2001. He is a certified guard instructor, DCCA, State of Hawaii, and holds a lifetime designation as a certified protection professional by the American Society for Industrial Security International.
“I’ve been to this banquet three times,” said Crowe, referring to his remarks at the event. “Once in 1970 at the Ilikai, when it was the Hawaii Joint Armed Forces/Police Association. Jack Lord was the speaker, and he said ‘I’m not going to try tell you anything about police work, because you guys are the experts. But you can ask me all you want about making a TV show.’ The second time was when my brother-in-law (Ed Hiram) won an award for his investigation work. And the third time is today.”
Puna Patrol Officer Brian Souki received a Top Cop Award, commending him on 11 years of service with Hawaii County Police Department. Most recently he located a stolen vehicle and arrested two suspects, at the same time locating a second stolen car. A search warrant revealed one vehicle contained drugs and a stolen firearm. In another case, his thorough investigation led to the finding and recovery of stolen items from a home burglary.
The Law Enforcement and Security Coalition is made up of members from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, National Park Service, State Sheriff’s Department and Police Departments of Honolulu, Hawaii County and Maui. The organization describes its mission as “E Pupukahi … working together as one to make Hawaii a safe place to live and work.”
“Top Cops” are nominated by companies and organizations across the state, and 31 were presented awards this year.
Crowe would encourage students to consider security as a profession. Not an easy career path, it can be rewarding.
“Whatever you decide to do, take it seriously,” he said. “Give it your good effort.”