18 deputy sheriffs sworn in, including 5 assigned to Big Island sheriff divisions in Hilo, Kona
Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement recently graduated 18 new deputy sheriffs during a ceremony honoring the largest graduating recruit class since the department became a separate state agency nearly 2 years ago.
Two of the new deputy sheriffs include father and son Edgarinio and Ethan Ugale, respectively.
“We are very proud of these new recruits,” said Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Director Jared Redulla. “During a time when there’s a great need for law enforcement officers, this class will take on a very important job to protect our community.”
Graduates:
- Michael Agpaoa.
- Frank Ah Tou.
- Liam Corbett.
- Logan Kamalani.
- Criston Kam.
- Alena Machova.
- Chander-Ann Malang.
- Marlon Marquez.
- Jowayne Mckinley.
- Scott Nguyen.
- Ryan Parker.
- Cajun Pedro.
- Scott Tsuha.
- Edgarinio Ugale (father).
- Ethan Ugale (son).
- Justin Villanueva.
- Timothy Weber.
- Samuel Yarbrough Jr.
Most of the new deputies are assigned to protect the state’s courthouses and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Assigned locations:
- Sheriff Airport Section: 5.
- Sheriff Circuit Court: 3.
- Sheriff District Court: 2.
- Sheriff Central Patrol: 1.
- Sheriff Hilo: 3.
- Sheriff Kona: 2.
- Sheriff Maui: 2.
“The importance of our class graduating today is not only having [18] brand new law enforcement officers on the street, but really the larger picture, and that is [18] officers that add to community safety, [18] highly trained officers that are going to be part of our community, living in our community, paying bills in our community and indeed protecting the community,” Redulla said following the graduation ceremony. “You know, we are the community, the community is us and we’re really proud of the graduates today.”
Department of Law Enforcement now consists of about 300 sworn deputy sheriffs.
The 6-month training program included:
- Classroom and on-the-job training in the laws, rules, regulations, principles, practices, procedures and techniques of law enforcement.
- Operation of firearms and other equipment.
- Physical conditioning.
Applicants to qualify must meet all the following requirements:
- Graduation from high school or equivalent with satisfactory completion of courses demonstrating knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex written material and write clear, factual reports.
- Have a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.
Desirable/preferred education (not a requirement):
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university, which demonstrated the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports, read and interpret complex written material.
- Solve complex problems logically and systematically.
Visit the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement website to find additional application information.
Nearly 30 applicants are expected in the next round of recruit training.
