Deputy Heikoti “Koti” Fakava, a 46-year-old officer with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department, passed away on May 1 after a brief illness. At his death, he was surrounded by family and other loved ones.
Fakava first entered law enforcement in 1994 with the East Palo Alto Police Department. He joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1997. He has worked in training, patrol, corrections, and transportation.
In 2001, Fakava was assigned to the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force. He remained with the NTF until his death, awarded the Narcotics Agent of the Year Award in 2005, and many awards and citations from both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his work in narcotics enforcement.
Koti Fakava was born in Hawaii and attended Moanalua High School on Oahu.
He played football at the University of Hawaii, and set many rushing and touchdown records for the team. He is currently the sixth all-time leading rusher in school history, and once scored five touchdowns in one game.
After a short tryout with the Seattle Seahawks, Fakava moved to the Bay Area and entered law enforcement.
In a press release sent by the Sheriff's Office, Fakava was called "an outstanding deputy (who) was deeply involved in the community and his church. He was a tremendous family man, and leaves behind his wife ‘Ou and five children Joshua, Anaseini, Joel, Verna, and Nalesoni, as well as a large extended family, and a legion of friends."
Deputy Fakava’s funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. It will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 245 Ludeman Lane, in Millbrae. Immediately after the church service, he will be laid to rest at the New Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma.
A Fakava Family Relief Fund has been established to provide assistance for his wife and five young children.
You are asked to send donations to:
Fakava Family Relief Fund
c/o San Francisco Police Credit Union
1495 El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94402
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