Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue honored a lifeguard and two officers Wednesday with Certificates of Merit, and named a sergeant of the year and unit of the quarter. Outstanding HPD
officers recognizedStar-Bulletin staff
Frank Gleason, a city lifeguard, caught a man who stole a backpack at Ala Moana Beach on Feb. 13.
Gleason ran after the suspect, who then jumped into a truck and fled. After the truck got stuck in traffic, the suspect jumped out and ran Gleason continued the pursuit and detained him until police arrived.
Police officers John Coleman and Kevin Bailey were honored for their efforts in defusing a situation involving a distraught man armed with a handgun, and talking him into surrendering to police.
Sgt. Gay Ann "Kaui" Mattson, who joined the department in 1976, was named Sergeant of the Year. Mattson has planned and carried out operational plans for major Waikiki events, including parades, block parties, marathons and city-sponsored events.
Mattson is also a certified bicycle sergeant and was previously assigned to Tactical Operations Division (now known as Specialized Services).
District 6's Night Operations Sector One has been honored with the Unit of the Quarter distinction for taking the lead in reducing prostitution and illegal street peddling in Waikiki.
The officers have formed a street crimes team to address chronic complaints of drinking in public, drug use and sales and criminal property damage.
The unit's officers are Lts. Dwight Rodrigues and Harrison Kim Han, Sgt. Richard Robinson, officers Kerry Knudson, Kirk Uemura, Casey Kailihiwa, Christopher Tanodra, Mark Matsusaka, Nathan Oshima, Robert Natividad, Herbert Sardinha, Scott Tamaoka and Susan Klimek.