KPD Detective Honored as Officer of the Month for Life-Saving Actions

The Kauaʿi Police Department recognized Investigative Services Bureau Detective Philip Banquel as Officer of the Month during January’s Police Commission meeting held via teleconference on Friday, Jan. 28.

Banquel was on his way to pick up his son at the beach during a day off in November. As he was driving through his Hanamāʿulu neighborhood, he noticed a man lying on the ground in the driveway of a residence, and a woman nearby acting distraught.

“Banquel knew something wasn’t right and stopped to check on the 56-year-old male subject who was found unresponsive and not breathing,” KPD stated. “The man had apparently collapsed while doing yard work and had hit his head on the ground.”

After notifying KPD Dispatch, Banquel immediately started administering CPR and did so for approximately seven minutes. On duty Līhuʿe officers, along with Kauaʿi Fire Department and EMT personnel, arrived shortly thereafter and relieved Banquel, subsequently transporting the man to Wilcox Medical Center.

EMT personnel who responded to the scene and Wilcox emergency medical staff who treated the man at the hospital, indicated it was Banquel’s swift action that directly contributed to saving the man’s life.

“Lt. Phil Banquel’s off-duty response to a neighbor in need of medical assistance was heroic,” said Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck. “His immediate action to perform CPR gave this gentleman and his family the gift of life. Congratulations Lieutenant Banquel. We honor and thank you for the duty you performed.”