Kaua‘i Fire Department holds graduation ceremony for 32nd Recruit Class

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a special ceremony Friday, welcoming 12 new firefighters at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha courtyard.

Kyle Callaway, Kealiimalu Kaawa, Phillip Kim, Dane Kua, Daniel Lagmay, Kaleo Mauricio, Brett Komatsu, Jarred Perry, Rhylen Yadao-Purisima, Texas Mascaro-Owen, Jonah Maples, and Keoni Ana comprise KFD’s 32nd Recruit Class.

This year’s class included seven recruits from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, one from the Līhu‘e Airport Rescue and Firefighting Unit, and one from the Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services.

“I am honored as the deputy fire chief to present your son, brother, husband, companion, and father as the newest members of the Kaua‘i fire department,” said Deputy Fire Chief Roger Mills.

Deputy Chief Mills led attendees in the Kaua‘i firefighters’ prayer, then called upon Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.

“I want to acknowledge all the important people who got our brave hearts here today – their family, friends, and loved ones who sacrificed for our recruits,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Their families have allowed our new firefighters to be in the front lines and put their own well-being to serve our community.”

KFD Fire Chief Michael Gibson also thanked the family of the recruits.

“We want to especially thank their families and friends, as all of you have also gone through these past seven months of mentally demanding and challenging periods of time supporting the recruits and ensuring their success by allowing them the time to study during the evenings, and to physically recover over the weekends,” said Chief Gibson. “To our newest firefighters, we expect you to respect those who were here before you and accept their support and assistance for you, as they all want you to be incredibly successful, and always support your co-workers. Please continue to fully engage and continue to develop and enhance your abilities and life-long learning. Your professional and personal development never ends.”

The ceremony continued with the ceremonial pinning of badges in front of an audience of their family and friends.

Keoni Ana was born and raised on the west side of Kaua‘i and currently resides in ‘Ele‘ele. Keoni is a 2012 Waimea High graduate. He would like to acknowledge his parents, Keith and Healani Ana, for their continued support and encouragement. Keoni would also like to send a big thank you to everyone at PMRF and KFD who made it possible for him to be a part of the recruit class and to those who trained them throughout the entire academy. Lastly, he would like to thank the mother of his child, Bethany Coma, for raising his newborn son during the recruit academy. Pinning firefighter trainee Ana is his mother, Healani, and girlfriend Bethany.

Rhylen Yadao-Purisima was born and raised in Kaua‘i and currently resides in Port Allen. After high school, Rhylen attended Southwestern Oregon Community College, where he studied and earned his Fire Science Degree and worked as a student Fire and EMT intern at Coos Bay Fire Station. Prior to becoming a recruit, Rhylen was employed with The Club at Kukuiula. Rhylen would like to first and foremost thank God for giving him this opportunity. Rhylen would like to acknowledge his parents, girlfriend Railee, family, friends, and his fellow brothers of RC 32, who have supported and encouraged him in every way. Rhylen would also like to thank the entire KFD, PMRF, and ARFF Training Bureau staff and instructors who dedicated countless hours and knowledge to train and prepare him. Rhylen is being pinned by his mom, Tiffany, and dad, Arnel.

Jonah Maples was born and raised in Haleiwa. He is a 2019 graduate of Waialua High School. He would like to acknowledge his parents, Selah and Kainoa Plemer, as well as his brother, Gabe, for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit training. Jonah would also like to send a special mahalo to the Training Bureau Staff and all the instructors who prepared the 32nd Recruit class. Pinning fire fighter trainee is his grandpa, Rollie Gallego.

Brett Komatsu was born and raised on Hawai‘i island and resides in Hilo. Brett Komatsu graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo in 2021, where he played baseball and earned a communications degree. He would like to acknowledge his parents, Clyde and Kathy Komatsu, as well as his brother, Chase Komatsu, for their support throughout his recruit training. He would also like to send a special mahalo to the Training Bureau Staff and all the instructors who prepared the 32nd Recruit class. Pinning firefighter trainee Brett Komatsu is his mom, Kathy Komatsu.

Texas Mascaro-Owen was born and raised in Waianae, O‘ahu. Texas is a 2012 graduate of Waianae High School. He would like to acknowledge his mother, Linda, as well as his girlfriend, Esther, and his friends for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit training. Texas would also like to send a special mahalo to the Training Bureau Staff and all the instructors who prepared the 32nd Recruit class as well as the many laughs and memories from his fellow recruit mates. Pinning firefighter trainee Texas is his mother, Linda.

Kyle Callaway was Born and raised in Kaua‘i and currently resides in Kōloa. Kyle is a graduate of Kaua‘i High School. Kyle would like to acknowledge his parents, David and Marta, as well as his wife, Diandra, and sister, Leah, for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit training. Kyle would also like to send a special Mahalo to the training Bureau staff and all the instructors who prepared the 32nd recruit class. Pinning Fire Fighter trainee Callaway is his wife Diandra.

Kealiimalu Kaawa was born and raised in Kaua’i and lives in Hanapēpē. He would like to thank his parents, Ahi Kaawa and Ranelle Kaawa, as well as his sister, Quiana Duarte, for their love and support throughout his recruit training. He would also like to send a special mahalo to the Training Bureau Staff and all the instructors who have taught and prepared the 32nd Recruit Class. Pinning firefighter trainee Kealiimalu are his parents, Ahi Kaawa and Ranelle Kaawa.

Phillip Kim is originally from California and moved to Kaua‘i post-high school. He spent the last nine years on the Big Island. Recruit Kim would like to thank the entire KFD Ohana for their support and this opportunity to participate in the 32nd Recruit Class. Pinning Fire Fighter Trainee Phillip Kim is his daughter, Madison, and son, Reef.

Dane Kua was born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i and graduated from Kaua‘i High School. Dane would like to thank his friends and family and his wife Breana for the continuous love and support she provides for not only him but their two children, Sophie and Max. He would also like to thank his training officers, instructors, and the department for the knowledge and opportunity. Dane is proud to be a part of the Kauai Fire Department and will continue to strive towards sharpening the skills he has learned. Pinning firefighter trainee Kua are his wife, Breana, and mom, Lynn.

Daniel Lagmay was born in Kaua’i and moved to Washington State when he was young. He graduated from Sultan High School before moving home in 2016 and resides in Kōloa. Daniel would like to acknowledge his parents, Benny and Tonya Lagmay, for raising him to be the man he has become today and his girlfriend, Sara, for her support, love, and sacrifice, and for having dinner ready when he comes home. Daniel would also like to send a special mahalo to Captain Mokuahi, FF3 Crane, FF3 Miyazaki, and Lt. Caalim for their selflessness, leadership, and guidance in preparing the 32nd recruit class. He would also like to thank each chief for the incredible opportunity to serve our community and all the training cadres for making this possible. Pinning firefighter trainee Daniel Lagmay are his parents and girlfriend, Sara.

Matthew Kaleo Mauricio – was raised in O‘ahu and currently resides in Kapahi. Kaleo is a 2010 graduate of Kaimuki High School. He would like to acknowledge the Taniguchi-Fu ohana and his wife Rena for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit training. Kaleo would also like to wholeheartedly thank the training bureau staff and all the instructors who’ve shared their experience, knowledge, and time. Pinning firefighter trainee Mauricio is his wife, Rena Taniguchi-Fu Mauricio.

Jarred Perry was born on the island of Kaua‘i and currently resides in Wailua Homesteads. Jarred is a 2006 graduate of Kaua‘i High School. He would like to acknowledge his parents, Tom and Elyson, as well as his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Ryan, for their continued support and encouragement through recruit training. He would also like to send a special thanks to the training bureau staff and all the instructors who prepared the 32nd Recruit class. Pinning Firefighter trainee Perry is his wife, Michelle and father, Thomas.