Kauaʻi police recognize two officers for exceptional service, dedication

The Kauaʻi Police Department recognized Sgt. Brian Silva and Officer Joridan Sele as the Employees of the Month for February.

During the Kauaʻi Police Commission meeting on Feb. 27, the commission formally commended Silva and Sele for their service, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety for the people of Kauaʻi.

Silva was recognized for his actions on Jan. 12, when Līhuʻe officers responded to a construction site near the Līhuʻe Airport regarding a woman who allegedly brandished a large knife and made threatening gestures toward workers. She then drove recklessly through the area before barricading herself inside her vehicle.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a knife inside the vehicle, according to a news release from Kauaʻi County. Recognizing the credible threat posed to those in the area, officers quickly established a perimeter and implemented a coordinated response to safely contain the situation.

“Silva applied crisis negotiation strategies to de-escalate what was a volatile and potentially violent encounter,” the release stated. “Under his direction, officers eased their approach and maintained a safe distance, allowing him to negotiate with the suspect.”

With calm and steady communication, Silva persuaded the woman to leave the vehicle, the release stated. At that point, officers were able to take her into custody without incident and secure the knife as evidence.

“Sgt. Silva used his 25 years of experience to guide his team through a high-risk situation,” said Chief Kalani Ke in the news release.

Sele was recognized for his persistence, sound judgment, and professionalism in safely locating and apprehending wanted individuals, quickly distinguishing himself as a driven member of the department since transferring from the Honolulu Police Department last year.

“Officer Sele hit the ground running, taking proactive steps to remove dangerous individuals from our neighborhoods,” Ke said.

In approximately six months of active service, Sele initiated 107 arrests and 128 criminal charges, ranging from petty misdemeanors to felony offenses. Of those arrests, 80 were warrant-related, which often require extensive follow-up and carry increased risk. In several instances, suspects fled on foot or attempted to harm officers to avoid arrest.

Notably, Sele located and arrested a suspect wanted on a $50,000 warrant after the individual barricaded himself inside a residence in Kalāheo, resolving the situation peacefully through effective communication.

In a separate case, Sele apprehended a suspect wanted on a $100,000 felony warrant involving arson and violent offenses after the individual had been actively evading police. He also assisted in the apprehension of a stolen vehicle suspect who fled on foot, resulting in multiple felony charges.

“Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their leadership, commitment, and integrity strengthen our department and our community every day,” Ke said in a news release. “We are proud to recognize their exceptional service.”

The Kauaʻi Police Department is hiring police officers, dispatchers, public safety workers, and other civil service positions. To qualify for officer roles, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, be at least 20 years old, and have no misdemeanor, felony, or domestic violence convictions.

For more information on open positions and to apply, visit the Kauaʻi Police Department website.