Officers Honored for Life-Saving Teamwork During Critical Incident
Published on April 28, 2025
LĪHUʻE – Five members of the Kaua‘i Police Department were honored at the Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting on Friday, Apr. 25, 2025, for their swift and decisive actions during a critical incident earlier this month.
On Apr. 3, 2025, Sergeant David Phillips, along with Officer Creighton Tamagawa, Officer Isaiah Sarsona, Officer Zachariah Smith, and Officer Vernon Basuel, responded to a report involving a subject suffering from multiple life-threatening, self-inflicted wounds.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Tamagawa immediately administered crucial first aid to address the subject’s severe injuries. Officer Smith quickly secured the weapon and assisted with stabilizing the subject. Officer Sarsona applied a blanket to maintain pressure on the wounds and expertly de-escalated a highly agitated relative at the scene, preventing further conflict. Meanwhile, Officer Basuel acted with foresight by clearing access for arriving paramedics and guiding them swiftly to the subject, saving precious minutes.
“These officers exemplify the very best of public service,” said Chief Todd Raybuck. “Their rapid, coordinated, and decisive actions provided essential care that ultimately saved this individual’s life. Their teamwork in an incredibly high-stress situation is a powerful reminder of the dedication our officers bring to every call.”
In recognition of their outstanding performance, Sgt. Phillips and Officers Tamagawa, Sarsona, Smith, and Basuel were named Employees of the Month for April 2025.
Ready to make a difference in your community? Recruitment for the force is ongoing. The salary for a police officer ranges from approximately $72,000 to over $118,000 and includes a robust benefits package. Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and a minimum age of 20 years. Applicants should not have any misdemeanor, felony or domestic violence convictions. To learn more about qualifications and how to apply, visit joinkauaipd.com.
From left to right: Chief Todd Raybuck, Officer Creighton Tamagawa, Sergeant David Phillips, Officer Zachariah Smith, Officer Vernon Basuel, and Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki.
###