HPD recognizes Lum for downtown heroics
Police Chief Boisse Correa last week presented the Honolulu Police Department's Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor to officer Joseph Lum of the District One Crime Reduction Unit for bringing a distraught woman to safety.
On Aug. 11, Lum responded to a call of a woman on the ledge of a 10th-floor parking structure at Bishop Square.
Officers Romel Layco and Winston Leong initially responded to the call and reasoned with the woman when they noticed Lum approaching from the opposite side.
The officers were able to distract her while Lum grabbed the woman in a "bear hug" and lifted her over a 2-foot railing, Maj. Randy Macadangdang said.
Layco and Leong were presented with Certificates of Merit for assisting Lum.
Correa also presented a Certificate of Merit to Ronnie Matau, a civilian, who detained a male suspect for allegedly entering an unattended vehicle.
On July 6, Matau, an employee of Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Wahiawa, observed the suspect entering the vehicle and removing items. Matau physically detained the suspect until police officers arrived. It was later determined that the suspect was under the influence of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice."
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and theft.
Correa also recognized the Crime Reduction Unit of District 7 as the Unit of the Third Quarter for its work in shutting down a game room where gambling occurred. The unit also was recognized for working with the community to deter criminal activity, gang violence and illegal drinking.
They were also acknowledged for working with Palolo Valley Homes staff members to improve the quality of life for public housing residents. The unit also led a multiagency investigation that shut down a crime ring responsible for burglaries and the theft of U.S. Postal Service money orders.
Police officer James Slayter of the Training Division was recognized as the Employee of the Third Quarter. Along with his daily responsibilities, Slayter served as the acting sergeant for the 154th Recruit Class for two months and was the lead Taser instructor for more than 220 officers.