Springer named Officer of the Month
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Kona Patrol Officer Andrew Springer as Officer of the Month for December in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
Springer was honored for arresting a man who had broken into one vehicle and appeared to be selecting his next target.
On May 24, police received a report that someone had entered a parked vehicle at a store in Kailua-Kona and removed a backpack. After reviewing surveillance video, Officer Springer made checks in the immediate area and then expanded his search. He located the suspect in the parking lot of a nearby business. The man was sitting in a pickup truck and using the victim’s binoculars to focus on a third parking lot, where he apparently was targeting his next victim.
Springer arrested him and recovered the victim’s property. Police also recovered a small amount of crystal meth and a smoking pipe from the suspect’s truck.
The suspect was charged with unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, promoting a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia.
As Officer of the Month, Springer is eligible for Officer of the Year.
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaii.
Deaf Santa Christmas Program comes to Waimea
The Deaf Santa Christmas Program will offer American Sign Language (ASL) storytelling, skits and songs Thursday at the Parker Ranch Center Food Court in Waimea.
The event will also feature crafts, games, food and photos from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Info: www.parkerranchcenter.com
Gift wrapping by the blind
If you are laughing, you haven’t seen their beautiful work. The West Hawaii Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will hold its annual Christmas gift wrapping event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21, 22 and 23 in front of KMart.
The organization’s members will be available to wrap gifts and make this busy season easier.
Info: nfb-westhi.org or call Sally, 345-7065.