In a testament to the effectiveness of compassionate policing, Kona Patrol Officer Michael Gusman was recently honored as the October 2025 Officer of the Month by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee for his handling of a fraught encounter with a distressed individual. According to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, the incident occurred when a man, referring to himself as "Thanos", threatened "suicide by cop" in a desperate phone call to the police.
Gusman's response on the early morning of June 12 was to de-escalate the situation, demonstrating a level of patience and empathy often hoped for but not always seen in law enforcement. Despite having been told the man had a gun and intended to provoke police into shooting him, Officer Gusman engaged in dialogue and managed to coax the individual into surrendering peacefully—a pellet gun was discovered, not a real firearm. "Officer Gusman's compassion and professionalism prevented a tragedy," Kona Patrol Captain Calvin Delaries told Hawai‘i Police Department.
After successfully de-escalating the situation at the Captain Cook residence, Gusman transported the man to Kona Community Hospital, personally ensuring he received necessary medical attention and evaluation. This act went beyond the immediate resolution of the emergency, showcasing a dedication to the community's overall well-being and an approach that aligns with the department's commitment to serving Hawai‘i Island with aloha.
Acknowledging the importance of such achievements, the Kona Crime Prevention Committee, each month, selects an officer who exemplifies the best in law enforcement service to their community. Officer Gusman, with his dedicated response to what could have been a deadly incident, stands as a fitting recipient of this month's accolade. His eligibility for the 2026 Officer of the Year award further sets a precedent for the standards expected of police officers in their day-to-day conduct.
