HPD recognizes 93rd recruit class
The Hawaii Police Department’s 93rd Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was conducted Feb. 12 at the Public Safety Building in Hilo. In accordance with current social distancing restrictions, this was a private ceremony limited to only police personnel and guest speakers. Friends, family, and members of the public were able to view the ceremony live by visiting the department’s Facebook page.
The 93rd recruit class began training in August 2020. Recruits started off as 24 strangers who came together from as far away as Germany, the Philippines, Canada, Guam, New Jersey, Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas, Molokai and all around the Big Island. In the end, after six months of intensive training, 22 police recruits remained and graduated.
Officers came from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. Some worked previously in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries, while others worked as a teacher, a bus driver, an auto mechanic and a park ranger.
Class officers include Officer Michael Gusman, class president; Officer Stephen Pangle, vice president; Officer Jason Lin, secretary; and Officer Jade Thomas, treasurer.
Other members of the class are David Brunner, Dallas Arce, John Harvey, Ridge Quitoriano, Sean-Tyler Kepoo, Taylor Cruz, Margot Babauta, Rommel Constantino, Nevin Morales, Christian Madera, Mara Gaertner, Jared Tatsuno, Scott Hammons, Tyler Tayamen, Dansen Cabinatan, Ryan Pagdilao, Xylon Takata and Jessie Welch.
Special recognition was given to those recruits who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Gusman, who attained and upheld the highest grade-point average on weekly and certification examinations. Constantino was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room.
Kepoo was honored with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining her level of physical conditioning. Cruz received the Overall Outstanding Recruit Award for his motivational and leadership qualities.
The newly graduated officers are now undergoing four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.