The Hawaii Police Department’s 97th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Friday, July 14, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo.
This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers and family members of the recruits.
The 97th Police Recruit Class began their training on Jan. 17. They started off as strangers who had come together from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. In the end, after six months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of seven police recruits.
Class officers include Officer Jesse Robert, class president, and Officer Marvin Jay Miguel, vice president.
Other members of the class are Tinery Acdal, Ashton Gomes, Kilika Respicio, Dayne Shibuya Jr. and Elika Smith.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training.
The Academic Award was awarded to Robert, who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Shibuya Jr. 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.
Smith was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning. Acdal was recognized with the Most Outstanding Recruit Award.
The newly graduated officers will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.