MEDIA RELEASE

Darren Cho

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Officers Darren Cho and Scott Aloy as “Officers of the Month” for December in a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday (December 7) at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.

The officers were recognized for their response to a burglary in progress at a church in Kealakekua on September 30.

Although the officers were off duty when they received information about the burglary, both responded. Rather than rushing into an unknown situation, they conducted surveillance and then approached the church on their hands and knees in complete darkness through a coffee field. They slowly made their way to two male juveniles until they could take them into custody without incident or injury.

The juveniles were arrested for burglary, criminal property damage and carrying a deadly weapon.

Scott Aloy

Detective Chad Taniyama, who recommended Cho and Aloy for the award, commended them for demonstrating maturity, professionalism, dedication to duty and bravery.

“It is often said to police officers, ‘You are policemen 24 hours a day.’ These officers epitomize this statement,” Taniyama wrote. “The professional character of Officers Cho and Aloy is beyond reproach and exemplifies the HawaiÊ»i Police Department’s core values, vision and mission statement.”

As “Officer of the Month,” both Cho and Aloy are eligible to become “Officer of the Year.” The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West HawaiÊ»i.