Public Safety Honors Top Employees

In recognition of their hard work throughout the year Director of the Department of Public Safety (PSD) Clayton Frank honored outstanding employees as Team of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Employee of the Year.

Deputy Joseph Finney (center) and PSD Director Clayton Frank (second from right) and Deputy Director Jim Propotnik (far left) present the Team of the Year award to George Pereira and Shaun Dydasco, who represented the 14th Law Enforcement Recruit Class.

The 14th Law Enforcement Recruit Class was selected as the department's Team of the Year in recognition of the calmness and composure shown while saving the life of their trainer, Deputy Joseph Finney. On November 14, 2007, the class had just completed their physical training when Deputy Finney collapsed from a heart attack. He was unresponsive and not breathing. Recruits called 9-1-1 while others started CPR. Another drove his personal vehicle to locate an EMS crew that was seen in the vicinity minutes earlier while other recruits controlled traffic and facilitated access for needed medical service. Arriving at the scene within minutes, emergency rescue professionals credited the quick actions of the team for saving the life of Deputy Finney.

Members of the team include:

Deputy Finney, Sgt. Patrick Kawai, Deputy Michelle Watson, Norman Carlbom, Taralee Mabry, Cameron Mahoe, Wendell Bandmann, Edward Ke-oho Jr., Robert Moura, Myron Widrig Jr., Wade Kamaka, Danny Akiona, Ellis Asu-ega, Justin Boswell, Chester Dasalla, Arnold Den Beste, Dennis Du Pont, Deven English, Alexander Ete-uati, Stephen Huynh, James Kimura, Landon Miyamura, Fatu Salima, Jordan Tamayo and Robert Umi-amaka.

Director Clayton Frank (right) and Deputy Director Tommy Johnson (right) recognize the department's Manager of the Year, Warden Mark Patterson.

Warden Mark Patterson, of the Women's Community Correctional Center (WCCC), was named PSD's Manager of the Year. Since his arrival at WCCC, officers have received additional training, sick calls have decreased, and quality of work and morale has increased. In addition, the facility is being renovated to make each area safe and operable and policies and procedures have been updated. Warden Patterson has enhanced public outreach efforts by increasing the number of staff and inmate community projects. With involvement in these projects, inmates are given the necessary tools, growth, experience and programming needed to succeed once released.

Director Clayton Frank (right) and Deputy Director Tommy Johnson (left) present Sgt. Allan Octavio with the Employee of the Year award.

Sgt. Allan Octavio was selected as PSD's Employee of the Year. Sgt. Octavio works at OCCC and his primary responsibilities include implementing department and facility policies, procedures and post orders as well as budgetary, investigative and technical assignments. Valued by the department for his outstanding knowledge, interpretation and ability to communicate, skills, Sgt. Octavio also serves as a liaison between PSD and other agencies.

Outstanding employees from every state department will compete in the annual Governor's Awards on October 17. These awards are designed to honor state executive branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai`i.