"He's the same man," said Judy Kamauu, 31, who knew her husband before he became an officer. Over the nine years that he has been with the Honolulu Police Department, the family has adapted to the changes in schedule and the stresses that come with police life, she said.

"Family support is so important for them, and communication is so important even at home," said Kamauu, who works for an insurance company. "And we're proud of him."

The Kamauu family joined more than 200 other people today to watch HPD promote 32 officers, handing out plaques and badges. Family, friends and colleagues held cameras and lei while officers stood at attention, front and center.

"We're here to share in their joy and in recognition of their promotion," Deputy Chief Robert Au said.

Besides the Metropolitan Officers II promotions, 10 officers moved up to detective rank, two made sergeant, and one sergeant made lieutenant.

"This is different from when we got our promotions," Chief Lee Donohue said looking around the crowded room. "Back then you were notified to report to the supply room, pick up your badge, and then you just went to your next assignment."

This ceremony gave him a chance to remind his officers of the value of courage, character, conscience, compassion, commitment and civility, Donohue said.

Promoted in April, Major Timothy Slovak was in special FBI training at the time. He was one of the honorees today.

"You don't promote yourself," said Slovak, who now heads HPD's records and identification division. "It's good workers, a good staff -- they get you promoted. You owe your credit to them," he said.