Love Jr. honored as Office of Quarter by Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association

Hawai‘i Police Department South Kohala Patrol Officer Andrew Love Jr. was honored as Officer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2026 by the Hawai‘i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association.

The honor was awarded to Love for his exemplary service in assisting a stranded motorist on a busy highway.

Love on Nov. 26, 2025, encountered a driver whose vehicle ran out of diesel fuel. Recognizing the safety risk posed by the vehicle’s location and stress of the situation for the motorist, Love took immediate and proactive steps to ensure their well-being.

Love helped push the vehicle off the roadway and then went to the nearest gas station, where he purchased diesel fuel, which he took back to the stranded motorist. The vehicle also needed a jump start.

Love remained there to assist until the driver was able to safely get back on the road.

“Officer Love’s actions reflect exceptional professionalism, compassion and dedication,” said South Kohala Patrol Sgt. Tyler Prokopec in a release about Love’s award.

Prokopec nominated Love for thehonor.

“His actions not only ensured the immediate safety of the stranded motorist, but also helped prevent potential hazards for other drivers traveling on the busy highway,” the sergeant said.