Submitted by Cary Dizon
Special to the Herald
Detective Ann Mejia, a 20-year veteran of the Hawaii County Police Department who is an active member of St. Theresa Parish in Mountain View on the Big Island, has been inducted into Hawaii County Women’s Hall of Fame.
Mejia was one of six new members honored in November for their contributions to the community, especially on behalf of women.
Mejia wanted to be a police officer since age six when the sight of a police officer helping an elderly woman cross the street left a lasting impression. Growing up, she did well in school and developed self-discipline from sports and martial arts, particularly karate, judo and aikido. In college she studied psychology, sociology and police science, planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Hawaii Hilo.
Despite the cautions and warnings of others, Mejia persevered in her dream. In September 1971, she entered the Hawaii County Police Department Cadet program. In October 1975 she officially joined the Hawaii County Police Department.
She began a number of assignments in Kau, South Hilo, North Hilo and Puna. From 1992 to 1993, she was the HI-PAL coordinator in south Hilo, teaching D.A.R.E. and P.A.G.E. programs and working in the gang detail. In 1993, she was assigned to the juvenile aid section where she investigated sexual assault, child abuse, and special cases given her by the police chief. These would be her greatest challenges.
Because of her expertise in child abuse and domestic violence issues, the department tapped her to train recruits and newly promoted sergeants and lieutenants, as well as offer refresher courses to other officers. Today, Mejia trains Hawaii County Fire Department personnel and gives talks on family violence to public school administrators, University of Hawaii employees and student organizations, elderly citizen organizations and church groups.
Mejia has also received awards for her work against domestic violence. One lieutenant described her as “the icon for women in law enforcement.”
At St. Theresa Parish, which includes Holy Rosary Mission in Keaau and Kilauea Military Chapel, Mejia has been a leader, servant and friend. She is a eucharistic minister, the bereavement coordinator and a counselor on issues of justice. She was very instrumental with the parish’s perpetual adoration chapel, regularly serving as telephone scheduler to assure 24/7 coverage, often filling in herself when no one was available.
Ann Mejia is both a prayer warrior and a physical servant to God’s people, especially for the least among us. A cancer survivor, she has great compassion for those who suffer.
The induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes her years of service and sacrifice and we are delighted for her to be so honored. The parish is honored to have her as one of our own, and we thank God for the blessing. We pray that Ann’s life continue to be blessed, that she may continue to serve women and all of society by shining forth her light as an example by which “they will know she is Christian by her love.” Thank you Ann!