Police Department’s 96th Recruit Class Graduates

The Hawaiʻi County Police Department’s 96^th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was recently held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo.
The 96^th Police Recruit Class began their training on July 1, 2022 and after six months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of seven police recruits.
Class Officers include Officer Kimberly Palea-Springer, Class President and Officer Hunter Rapoza, Vice President.
Other members of the class are Zachary Hale, Patrick Manila, Israel Mata, Tammy Messina, and Andrew Padilla.
The Academic Award was awarded to Officer Kimberly Palea-Springer who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Officer Israel Mata was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room.
Officer Hunter Rapoza was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning.
The newly graduated officers will undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
 
HPD Photo