Officer Theodore Hamada recognized for unprecedented 51 years of police service

The County of Hawai’i honored Police Reserve Officer Theodore Hamada this week for his unprecedented 51 years of police service.

Officer Hamada was appointed as a Police Cadet on Aug. 16, 1972. He became a sworn Police Officer on Nov. 16, 1973 where he worked on the Traffic Task Force in District 1 and then later in South Hilo Patrol until his Service Retirement on Dec. 31, 1998.

Hamada started as a volunteer Reserve Officer on January 1, 1999 and has continued dedicating his time and energy to the community up to his planned separation yesterday, Nov. 30.

Officer Hamada has served a combined total of 51 years, three months, and 16 days with the Hawai’i Police Department. In recognition of his monumental efforts, Mayor Mitch Roth proclaimed Nov. 30, 2023 to be Theodore Hamada Appreciation Day in the County of Hawai’i and offered “our deepest appreciation and extend our best wishes to Theodore Hamada for continued health, happiness, and prosperity.”

The Proclamation, along with a Certificate from the Hawai’i County Council was presented by Council Chair Heather Kimball, Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz, and Acting Deputy Police Chief Reed Mauna acknowledging Hamada’s distinguished career and offering heartfelt congratulations on his impending second retirement.