Two Hawaiʻi Police Department veterans promoted to command ranks

Two longtime veterans of Hawaiʻi Police Department recently were promoted to the department’s command ranks by Police Chief Reed Mahuna.

Levon Stevens has been with the department 22 years and was promoted from captain to major while 23-year department veteran Zachary Fernando ranked up from lieutenant to captain, both effective Aug. 1.

Maj. Stevens is now assigned to Hawaiʻi Police Department Technical Services Division. He most recently served as captain of the Administration Section, with previous assignments as lieutenant in Accreditation and Kona Patrol, as well as detective in Area I (Hilo) Vice Section and Area I and Area II (Kona) Criminal Investigation Sections.

Stevens also previously served as a patrol officer in North Kohala and Puna.

He graduated in March as part of the 297th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Capt. Fernando is now assigned to the department’s Administration Section after most recently serving as lieutenant of the Records and Identification Section, with previous positions as lieutenant in the Communications-Dispatch Section and Area I Criminal Investigation Section.

He also previously served as detective in Area I Vice Section, sergeant in Kaʻū, community policing officer in Hāmākua and patrol officer in Kona and Hāmākua.

“Both Maj. Stevens and Capt. Fernando have demonstrated a strong commitment to this department and the communities we serve throughout their careers,” said Mahuna in a department release. “Their experience, leadership and dedication will serve them well in their new assignments, and I look forward to their continued contributions to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.”