HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF
LAWRENCE K. MAHUNA
PHONE: 961-2244
MAY 18, 2006
Joseph Gutierrez, right, president of the Aloha Exchange Club of Hilo, presents an
“Officer of the Month” award to Ka’u Officer Shawn Ibarra on Thursday.
MEDIA RELEASE
A Ka’u patrol officer who joined the Hawaii Police Department less than two years ago was named Officer of the Month for March.
Officer Shawn Ibarra received the honor Thursday (May 18, 2006) during a ceremony at a luncheon meeting of the Aloha Exchange Club of Hilo.
Ibarra, 27, was recognized for arresting 10 adults in one month, including one man who had evaded capture for two years and another who was seen shooting at lights in Naalehu Park. Ibarra’s supervisor, Sergeant Robert Hatton, recommended him for the honor, saying Ibarra was “well above average” in every category and has volunteered to attend neighborhood watch meetings to better serve his community.
During Thursday’s ceremony at Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, Ibarra thanked the Exchange Club for the honor but said much of the credit goes to his ranking officers. “I’m just pleased to work with the people that I work with in Ka’u,” he said.
As Officer of the Month, Ibarra is now eligible for Officer of the Year.
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