HPD Capt. Alvin Nishimura, 52, joined police force in 1972
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Police Capt. Alvin Nishimura, whose battle with leukemia rallied the community and prompted many to register as bone marrow donors, died yesterday morning at The Queen's Medical Center. He was 52.
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Nishimura, a 29-year veteran of the department, was diagnosed with leukemia in October 1999. He died from pneumonia, a complication from his illness, said friend and Assistant Police Chief Boisse Correa.
Alvin Nishimura was a "true warrior" who fought his illness to the end, said friend and Assistant Police Chief Boisse Correa.
"He went very peacefully, with his wife at his side," Correa said. "He fought right up to the end. He was a true warrior."
In March 2000, Nishimura's friends and family held a fund-raiser to help pay his medical bills.
In conjunction with the event, 256 people signed on to the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry.
Strangers sent get-well cards and prayed for Nishimura's recovery.
His wife, Cynthia Yip, slept with a surgical mask so she could comfort him during his stays in a germ-free isolation room.
"Cynthia was great," Correa said. "She stayed by his side, fed him, slept with him. She was an angel."
In May 2000, Nishimura underwent a bone marrow transplant. After suffering a relapse in October, he traveled to Houston for treatment.
Nishimura joined the police force in April 1972, earned the rank of captain in February 1997 and headed the Criminal Intelligence Unit in June 1998. He worked in narcotics/vice, internal affairs, sex crimes, criminal investigation and patrol.
Yesterday, the family thanked everyone for their support.
Correa said funeral arrangements are pending. Nishimura is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, sisters and brother, Correa said.
