[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.

                          ____________________