Hawaiʻi Island honors fallen officers during National Police Week

Police Week begins tomorrow, and Hawaiʻi Island residents and visitors are invited to participate in ceremonies and station tours for the nationally recognized event throughout the week.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. It serves as a time to honor and recognize officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. at the Hilo police station, and on Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Police will pay tribute to:

• Capt. T.N. Simeona, who gave his life in 1890.
• Officer Michol Octobre, who gave his life in 1916.
• Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.
• Officer William “Red” ʻOili, who gave his life in 1936.
• Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990.
• Officer Kenneth Keliʻipio, who gave his life in 1997.
• Park Ranger Steve Makuakāne-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.
• Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2018.

Biographies of each fallen officer can be viewed on the police department’s website.

On Friday, the public can also tour the Hilo police station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more about the daily activities of the Hawaiʻi Island police. To schedule an appointment, call Officer Kaipokoka ʻAurello at 808-961-3381.