HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Police Department’s interim chief stepped into the role on Aug. 1, with Rade K. Vanic filling the vacancy following former Chief Joe Logan’s retirement.
Vanic, who was a deputy chief prior to his ascension to interim chief, has 25 years worth of experience in the force. In 2021, he also served as interim chief before Logan’s appointment to the position.
During his tenure as deputy chief, Vanic oversaw internal operations, as well as advancing officer wellness and reform initiatives.
For his upcoming role as interim chief, Vanic looks to stabilize and unite the department, strengthen community trust, bolster traffic safety and more.
“I have full confidence in Chief Vanic’s ability to take on this interim position and fulfill all of its duties and obligations at a very high level,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. “Over the past four and a half years, I’ve come to fully appreciate Chief Vanic’s dedication and commitment to HPD, and the men and women who keep our communities safe.”
Vanic’s rise to interim chief came after a dramatic sequence of events, where Blangiardi advocated for then-Hawaiʻi Island police Chief Ben Moszkowicz to fill the vacancy in Honolulu. Moszkowicz then tendered his resignation from the Hawaiʻi Police Department, only to not be named to the role.
“I said all along it was the commission’s job to pick, and I said it would be subject to that. But I was strongly recommending [Moszkowicz],” Blangiardi said during a press conference when Vanic was chosen over Moszkowicz.
Despite any fogginess that may have stemmed from the situation, Vanic is looking to better the community he has been chosen to serve.
“It’s an honor to serve alongside our sworn and civilian staff and support the people of Oʻahu during this transition,” Vanic said. “As interim chief, my focus is to lead with intefrity, listen with intention and earnt he trust of our community through transparency, service and respect.”
The Honolulu Police Commission is still looking for a permanent chief, with updates on the search expected in the coming months.