Members of the Hawaii Fire Department’s 39th Fire Fighter Recruit Class pose for a class photo. From left to right: Blair Howard, Robin Gleason, Jonathan Hara, Calvin Soo, Justin Santiago, Adam Busek, Paul Kekela, Matt Loper, Jordan Maeda, Justin Lee, Sean Tamura, Gavin Pamarang, Gary Ahu, William Bloss, Caleb La’a, Michael Brown, and Jay Kahe’e.
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The Hawaii Fire Department held commencement exercises for its 39th Fire Fighter Recruit Class on Friday, February 25, 2011, at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo.
The new Fire Fighters are: Gary Ahu, Jr., William Bloss, Michael Brown, Adam Busek, Robin Gleason, Jonathan Hara, Blair Howard, Jay Kahee, Paul Kekela, Jr., Caleb Laa, Justin Lee, Matt Loper, Jordan Maeda, Gavin Pamarang, Justin Santiago, Calvin Soo, and Sean Tamura.
The class underwent 11 months of intensive instruction and fieldwork. The first 5½ months involved fire and rescue training that included a nationally recognized fire science curriculum, wildland fire training, hazardous materials operations training, rescue operations familiarization, lifeguard certification, and driver training.
The remainder of their training was spent at the Emergency Medical Services Training Center where the fire fighters earned their Emergency Medical Technicians Basic and Intermediate certifications. During this time, they also spent nine weeks applying their emergency medical technician skills on clinical rotations through Central, Kawailani, and Keaau Fire Stations on the ambulance, as well as at the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, and Intensive Care Units at Hilo Medical Center.
Managing Director Bill Takaba represented Mayor Billy Kenoi at the luncheon ceremonies. He addressed the recruits by telling them that although they have persevered the training, learning will be a lifelong process in their career. He told them that the Fire Department is known for their camaraderie and unity, and he urged the new fire fighters to wear their badges proudly.
Fire Commissioner Toby Taniguchi told the recruits that today’s ceremony is a testament to the many hours of their hard work and marks a milestone that serves as a reminder that the journey has just begun. He encouraged the recruits to always work hard, conduct themselves professionally and with compassion, and to do everything possible to honor the trust of those they serve.
Mr. David Mendonsa, who was the instructor for the Emergency Medical Technician segment of the class, asked the members of the 39th recruit class for three commitments: 1) maintain their professionalism; 2) maintain their knowledge base; and 3) strive to become a paramedic.
Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira thanked the instructors and trainers, peers and firefighters who will continue to work with the recruits to refine their skills, and most importantly, the families. He told the audience that while we are here today to celebrate the recruits’ accomplishments and achievements, today also marks the beginning. Chief Oliveira encouraged the class to give it their best to represent the Hawaii Fire Department team, as well as their families, well and to make a difference in the lives of the people they will serve.
Battalion Chief Lance Uchida of the fire department’s Emergency Medical Services Bureau, and Recruit Training Officer Captain Todd Vincent also spoke at the luncheon ceremony. All speakers acknowledged the audience—the recruits’ families and friends—for their support throughout the training.
The 39th Fire Fighter Class message was delivered by William Bloss, who told the audience that their training was not always a smooth road; they had unequivocal highs and lows, sometimes on the same day. However, they are here because of so many others took the time to teach and mentor them, and also with the infinite patience, love and support of their families. Fire Fighter Recruit Bloss turned to the members of his class and told them that it’s been an amazing journey, and that he is honored to serve alongside of each of them for the next 25 years.
Having successfully met all the criteria of their recruit training, the 39th Fire Fighter Class was presented to Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira and Deputy Fire Chief Glen Honda, who issued them their badges. As is customary in fire service, the fire fighters then chose a family member or friend to pin their badge on their uniform.
The new fire fighters will soon receive their first station assignments.
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