HONORING DETECTIVE MICHAEL NAKAHARA

HONORING DETECTIVE MICHAEL NAKAHARA

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E146] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DETECTIVE MICHAEL NAKAHARA ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Friday, February 21, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective Michael Nakahara of the Lake County Sheriff's Office I have named Detective Nakahara as the California 4th District's Public Safety Hero of the Year for Lake County because of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication and service to others. Born in Japan and raised in Hawaii by his parents, Scott and Susan Nakahara, Detective Nakahara graduated from the Hawai'i Preparatory Academy in 2014 before attending the San Joaquin Delta College P.O.S.T. Academy in 2021. He joined the Lake County Sheriff's Office later that year and, through his hard work, was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit in February 2024. In addition to his investigative duties, Detective Nakahara serves as an Explorer Advisor for the Lake County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post, mentoring young people interested in careers in law enforcement. His contributions to the department were recognized in December 2024 when he was awarded the Lake County Sheriff's Office Community Service Award and Sheriff's Citation. Detective Nakahara demonstrated his skill while working on Lake County's first-ever fentanyl homicide case. Beginning in February 2024, he partnered with Sergeant Jeffrey Mora to investigate the tragic death of 17-year-old Illeanna Frease, a Native American youth. Despite this being his first major case, as well as his first homicide case, Detective Nakahara tackled the investigation with tireless resolve. Over several months, he authored numerous reports and search warrants and conducted extensive interviews, allowing the evidence to guide him to the truth. His tenacity led to the arrest and charging of a suspect with second-degree murder who will face a jury trial this March. This case garnered widespread support from the Native American community at both the local and state levels and underscores the critical role Detective Nakahara plays in bringing justice to victims and their families. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Detective Nakahara is an engaged member of our Lake County community. During the 2024 football season, he volunteered over 100 hours as an assistant coach for the Youth Varsity Kelseyville Chiefs in the Kelseyville Chiefs Youth Football League. His efforts helped instill values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal integrity in young athletes while strengthening the bond between the Sheriff's Office and the local community. Mr. Speaker, Detective Michael Nakahara embodies the highest ideals of law enforcement--courage, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. Our citizens of Lake County and the Sheriff's Office can depend on him to protect and serve with honor and integrity. It is my privilege to recognize and commend Detective Nakahara for his outstanding contributions, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him today. ____________________