Park named
for nun, cops’
No.1 chaplain
Sister Roberta Derby nurtured
By Mary Adamski
the ethics, honesty and compassion
of the Honolulu Police Department
Star-BulletinSister Roberta Derby's 20 years as chaplain with the Honolulu Police Department ended with her death in 1996, but "her spirit lives on," said one of her fans who planned to gather today to ensure that it does.
The park next to police headquarters was to be dedicated this morning and named for the nun whose call number was Chaplain One. The ceremony was to include unveiling of a cast stone bust of Derby created by police artist Joe Aragon.
"This park will offer a place for officers to come and either remember her or get to know who this person is," said Honolulu attorney Allen Williams. He said Derby's spirit lives on in hundreds of people whose sense of ethics, honesty and compassion were nurtured by "Sister Roberta."
Department members and retirees, as well as state and federal law enforcement officers, remember her help in personal crises, traumatic work situations or family tragedies. They also remember her as holding them to measure up to a tall moral yardstick.
The nun's affiliation with the department began when she was a Chaminade University professor charged with developing a criminal justice degree program for police officers. After years as a volunteer chaplain, she was hired as a counselor and coordinator of the eight-member chaplain corps.
"I don't think any person really understands what she has contributed to the people of this state through her work with the department," said Williams. "She transcended rank, cultures, dogma. Her status gave her the ability to reconcile a lot of things." Williams, an ex-policeman, credited Derby with his seeking an education that continued through law school.
Chaplain One Park is a grassy expanse atop the underground parking lot at Beretania and Alapai streets. It will be developed to include a memorial to fallen officers.
A group of police officers who planned the Derby tribute will seek to erect a full-size statue of the chaplain in the park, said Detective Jill Kaui. The City Council named the park in response to efforts of the committee of friends who have sought a way to memorialize Derby since her death from cancer at age 72.
The program today was designed to evoke personal memories. The Celtic Pipes and Drums were to play the Irish sister's favorite, "Garryowen." Refreshments were to include brownies, the treat she'd often bring to the aid of officers.
"She showed compassion and, at the same time, was very much a straight shooter with the officers," said the Rev. Vincent O'Neill.
O'Neill is Chaplain Two. He said the Chaplain One title was retired when Derby left the department just before her death.
