Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau host welcome and promotion ceremony

The Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau conducted a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Līhu‘e Civic Center to promote 9 firefighters and welcome 9 ocean safety officers to the team.

“We thank all of you who accepted the challenge to contribute to the future success of the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson in front of a crowd of family, friends and supporters. “Remember who you are, remember what this department stands for, and remember the people who came before you and ensure that you honor them as well.”

Fire Department promotions include:

• Michael Thompson, promoted to fire captain.
• Russell Nohili Vierra, promoted to fire captain.
• Raymond Keahi, promoted to firefighter III.
• Abraham Mohr, promoted to firefighter III.
• Ryan Nagaoka, promoted to firefighter III.
• Andrew Oda, promoted to firefighter III.
• Troy Schmidt, promoted to firefighter II.
• Russell Fujimoto, promoted to firefighter II.
• Chandler Forrest, promoted to firefighter II.

The new additions to the Ocean Safety Bureau include:

• William Brown, ocean safety officer I.
• Keale Hoff, ocean safety officer I.
• Levi-Jon Ho’opi’i-Pascua, ocean safety officer I.
• Max Jordan, ocean safety officer I.
• Meleke Leasau, ocean safety officer I.
• Clifton Oliver, ocean safety officer I.
• Jesse Uemura, ocean safety officer I.
• Kai Whitfield, ocean safety officer I.
• Chad Kuboyama, ocean safety officer I.

Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo, who was emcee for Tuesday’s ceremony, was honored to present the promotions and welcome the newest additions to the team.

“Every one of these 18 first responders had gone through tremendous sacrifice and effort to get where they are today. We welcome and promote these brave hearts who watch over our keiki, our visitors and our local residents,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami. “They dedicate their lives and their own safety to make sure that our community is safe. On behalf of the Office of the Mayor, the departments and the people of Kaua‘i, we want to say thank you to the families, chiefs, first responder community and everyone being promoted and getting on board today.”