Big Isle officer and
firefighter honored

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii has selected the police officer and firefighter of the year for their dedication and commitment to the community.

Tod Bello of the East Hawaii Task Force was named police officer of the year and firefighter/mobile intensive care technician Chris Honda of the Honokaa Fire and Ambulance Unit was named firefighter of the year.

Bello was selected for his work as a South Hilo patrolman and vice section officer in the battle against crystal methamphetamine, according to the group.

Lt. Marshall Kanehailua said Bello developed a confidential informant who was willing to aid in drug investigations involving mid- to high-level drug distributors.

Bello joined the police department in January 2001 and has worked with officers of the East Hawaii Ice Task Force.

"He spent countless hours outside of his normal workday, identifying individuals involved in drug distributions and conducting drug purchases required for search warrants," said Kanehailua.

Through the help of the informant, a search warrant at a Hilo home led to the recovery of 57.2 grams of "ice," 15.5 grams of crack cocaine, 27.6 grams of powdered cocaine, a handgun and $9,768 in cash.

Task force officers arrested a suspect, who is a convicted felon, on suspicion of four counts of federal drug-related charges and a firearms offense. He is being held at a federal detention center on Oahu.

Honda was selected as firefighter of the year for "countless hours he has spent teaching firefighters and civilians emergency medical services skills so they can better themselves and their communities," said Fire Capt. Michael Matsui.

Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira noted Honda had already earned his emergency medical technician and mobile intensive care technician certifications when he joined the fire department in May 2000. Honda's "dedication and can-do attitude" serves as an inspiration to others in the department, said Oliveira.