Big Island patrol officer Joseph Passmore, who solved an unreported burglary while investigating another burglary, has been recognized as “Officer of the Month” by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii.

In November, Passmore was assigned to investigate a burglary in Keaau. He found all the stolen items, except a firearm, at a suspect’s home and persisted until eventually uncovering the hidden weapon, police said.

While in the house, he noticed professional sound equipment that seemed out of place. By using his contacts, he discovered that the items had been stolen from a private school, but school officials had only been aware that sheet metal was missing. Further investigation led to the recovery of the sheet metal.

Sgt. Darrel Huston, who nominated Passmore for the honor, said his “keen investigative skills” helped solve the two burglaries.

“His diligence also resulted in finding a firearm which could have been used in a future crime,” he said.

Passmore is eligible for Officer of the Year.