HONOLULU — For the past 30 years, Sgt. Chad Giesseman has dedicated himself to serving others, building a career with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) while mentoring generations of young athletes through volleyball.
Currently assigned to HPD’s Community Affairs Division, Giesseman leads a team of officers in the Juvenile Services Section, where his work focuses on investigating runaway cases and supporting youth and their families. His commitment to young people extends beyond his police duties and onto the volleyball court.
A Kailua High School graduate who lettered in boys volleyball, Giesseman turned his passion for the sport into an opportunity to give back. Over the years, he has coached student-athletes at Maryknoll School, Hawaii Baptist Academy, McKinley High School and Moanalua High School.
Giesseman has also coached at the collegiate level, serving as an assistant coach with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s volleyball team and helping the program win three NCAA national championships.
His commitment to service and volleyball has carried on to the next generation. Giesseman’s son, Justin, is following a similar path as he joined HPD’s Police Services Officer program earlier this year while also serving as head coach of the Kalāheo High School boys volleyball program.
“Mentoring young people is about being there for them, setting a positive example and helping them see what they are capable of,” Giesseman said. “Whether I’m wearing the uniform or coaching on the court, what’s most important to me is helping guide and encourage every individual to reach their full potential.”
For Giesseman, coaching is about more than wins and championships. It is an opportunity to help young athletes develop the discipline, confidence and resilience they can carry beyond the court.
That same dedication has shaped his police career. During his three decades with HPD, Giesseman has served in the Narcotics/Vice Division, the Police Activities League in District 4 and patrol assignments in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7.
Among his proudest accomplishments are his efforts to keep impaired drivers off Oʻahu’s roads. Sgt. Giesseman was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaiʻi for his impaired driving enforcement efforts from 2012 to 2014.
Today, his work in the Juvenile Services Section brings his roles as a police officer, coach and mentor together, all centered on a shared purpose: helping young people succeed and making a positive impact in the community.