The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored Officer Brian Beckwith as Officer of the Month for April during a luncheon ceremony at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona. ADVERTISING The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored Officer Brian Beckwith as Officer of
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored Officer Brian Beckwith as Officer of the Month for April during a luncheon ceremony at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
Beckwith was honored for his compassion and integrity.
On Feb. 14, Beckwith responded to a report of a man in a wheelchair at the Kailua Pier who appeared to need assistance. The 78-year-old man, who had lost both of his legs because of a medical condition, told the officer someone had stolen the battery charger to his electric wheelchair. He was unable to care for himself and was stranded on the pier since the previous day.
After attempting to contact numerous social service agencies to help the man, Beckwith reserved a hotel room for him in Waimea.
Beckwith learned the man was a Korean War veteran, but the VA office was unable to place him in a suitable living environment.
With more persistence, Beckwith was able to obtain placement for the veteran with help from Adult Protective Services.
Beckwith, who joined the Hawaii Police Department three years ago, served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. For the past six years, he’s been a combat medic as an active reserve for the Department of the Army.
