The Kona Crime Prevention Committee has named officer Bryan Ellis as the Officer of the Month of July.
On July 19 Officer Ellis was assigned as the acting patrol seargent for the third watch when a pursuit occurred with murder suspect Justin Waiki, who was wanted for the murder of Puna Patrol Officer Bronson Kailua. Waiki was believed to be in a gray 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck in the Keauhou and later Honaunau area. Officer Ellis was the only officer left at the Kona Police Station.
Without any orders, he single-handedly took on the responsibility of calling up additional officers who were off-duty, relocating personnel in the district, assisting the public at the receiving desk and answering phone calls. Officer Ellis performed flawlessly and kept his calm demeanor throughout the entire chaotic event while delivering exceptional service to everyone that he contacted. His performance was that of a true professional law enforcement officer and a great supervisor.
Officer Ellis was assigned to Kona Patrol on June 2, 2002, and was a prior Honolulu Police Officer who joined the department in 1999. He has proven to be a great asset to the Hawaii Police Department and continued to strive for excellence in his performance. He has demonstrated a high level of competence in his supervisory and leadership skills.