The Hawai‘i Police Department has announced a series of promotions within its ranks, headlined by the historic elevation of Sherry Bird to the role of Assistant Chief of Administrative Bureau. Bird, whose promotion became effective on Saturday, has shattered the glass ceiling as the first-ever female Assistant Chief in the department's history. According to the Hawaii Police Department official statement released last Friday, the department's Police Chief, Benjamin Moszkowicz, lauded the advancements, affirming, "The collective talent, work ethic, and dedication of this group is truly remarkable and they each deserve every bit of their success."
Assistant Chief Bird's rise to the upper echelons of the police hierarchy is a culmination of a persistent 27-year career with the department, during which she notably served as Major of the Administrative Services Division and of Area II Field Operations Bureau, among several other roles. The latest round of promotions also includes one executive move to a Major position, two ascensions to Captain ranks, nine to Lieutenant, five to Detective, and six to Sergeant, with an additional 14 officers elevated to Police Officer III status. For Bird, this milestone is not unfamiliar terrain, having previously made history in 2021 by ascending to the rank of Major as only the second woman to do so, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department public announcement.
Among the other notable promotions, Major Sandor Finkey is now assigned to Administration, Technical Services Division after a durable 23-year service, and Captain Levon Stevens, a 21-year police veteran, has been appointed as Captain of Administration. The Hawaii Police Department also recognized two brothers, with Detective Christopher Jelsma being promoted to Lieutenant and Police Officer Tyler Jelsma stepping up to become Sergeant. This familial milestone was celebrated alongside the other Promotions at a ceremony in Hilo last Wednesday. Commendably, the event also paid tribute to Reserve Officer Theodore Hamada for his half-century of service.
The policing landscape in Hawai‘i seems set to benefit from the influx of experience and fresh leadership. Moreover, these advancements signal a continuing progress in the Hawaii Police Department's structure and capacity. Video of the ceremony, including the momentous inaugurations, is available for public viewing on the department's Youtube channel. With the ceremonial proceedings being streamed live via their Facebook page, the department made sure to inclusively share this pivotal occasion within the community, ensuring transparent acknowledgment of the officers' achievements.
