Officer Blake Ragocos, the only school resource officer for the Hamakua District, was named the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii Officer of the Month for February 2021.
Ragocos was honored for his positive and outside-the-box thinking. When COVID-19 prevented students from in-person learning, Ragocos created video skits to teach safety and online lessons about drug abuse resistance for students and teachers. He also made home visits to students with attendance and grade issues.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, no Exchange Club meetings have been conducted since March 2020. Members of the club presented Ragocos the award on April 22 at the Laupahoehoe Police Station.
All officers selected for the Officer of the Month award are eligible to be selected as the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii’s Officer of the Year.