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Fire Department graduates 13 new fire fighters

Front row (from left): Kristopher Armijo, Neil Cho, Adam Tabieros, Alan McShane Jr., Kala Haasenritter, Joseph Glory Jr.; Back row: Kyle Muin, Chad Rapozo, Michael Masuda, Monalisa Durkan, Dave Yamagata Jr., Tai Scarbrough, Riley Archibald (Photo courtesy of Fire Department)

Front row (from left): Kristopher Armijo, Neil Cho, Adam Tabieros, Alan McShane Jr., Kala Haasenritter, Joseph Glory Jr.; Back row: Kyle Muin, Chad Rapozo, Michael Masuda, Monalisa Durkan, Dave Yamagata Jr., Tai Scarbrough, Riley Archibald (Photo courtesy of Fire Department)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Fire Department hosted commencement exercises for its 42nd Fire Fighter Recruit Class on Saturday, April 12 at the Courtyard Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.

The new Fire Fighters are: Kyle Muin, Chad Rapozo, Michael Masuda, Monalisa Durkan, Dave Yamagata Jr., Tai Scarbrough, Riley Archibald, Kristopher Armijo, Neil Cho, Adam Tabieros, Alan McShane Jr., Kala Haasenritter, and Joseph Glory Jr.

The class underwent 12 months of intensive instruction/classroom exercises and fieldwork. These included fire and rescue training that included a nationally recognized fire science curriculum, wildland fire training, rescue operations familiarization, aquatics competency certification, and driver training.

The ending of their Fire Fighter Recruit training was spent at the Emergency Medical Services Training Center where the fire fighters earned their Emergency Medical Technicians Basic certification.

The entire EMT program was approximately 9-10 weeks long, and they also spent about four weeks on clinical rotations through Central, Kawailani, Keaau, Pahoa, Kailua, and Keauhou Fire Stations on the ambulance, as well as at the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, and Intensive Care Units at Hilo Medical Center and Kona Hospital.

During the afternoon ceremonies, guest speaker Mayor Billy Kenoi focused his speech on the great accomplishments each received thus far and how, from today, this will be the beginning of a whole new chapter in their careers with the Hawaii Fire Department.

Public Safety is the No. 1 priority, and along with that comes hard work, compassion, continuous training and trust within yourself, as well as trust amongst your brothers and sisters you work with.

Both Recruit Training Officers Fire Rescue Specialist James Wilson and Fire Equipment Operator Mark Spain spoke of the Hawaii Fire Department’s core values as well as stating that the duty of a fire fighter is a great honor and privilege that should be earned, not given out as a liberty.

Ultimately, the main focus stated was to never forget where you came from, stay humble and dedicate yourselves to serve with pride, honor, and compassion.

Recruit Training Officer Captain Darwin Okinaka also spoke of and reiterated the Hawaii Fire Department’s Core Values.

He reminded each recruit about character, actions, decision making and ultimately being responsible in taking the job of a Fire Fighter seriously. Take the time to reflect on the skills that were taught and embrace them. The countless speeches stated over and over instilling the values and vision statement of our department. In closing, he stated to the class, we are public safety, we provide public safety and we keep our community safe.

It was evident from Fire Chief Darren Rosario remarks that each of the recruits got trained with the highest quality of instruction and by an amazing staff who once stood in their footsteps.

He also spoke of HFD’s core values and vision statement, and emphasized the importance of public safety. Chief expressed how proud he was of their work ethics that they showed throughout the training process and there is no doubt in his mind that when the public calls 911, our new fire fighters will stand right beside their fellow brothers and sisters and provide the best service.

The 42nd Fire Fighter Class message was delivered by class President Neil Cho.

He stated his appreciation for his fellow classmates, his family, and his trainers. Neil also addressed the fact that the entire training process was one of the hardest obstacles he had ever endured, and reiterated the value of training and again expressed his appreciation for all those who were involved with training from start to finish.

Each of the speakers also addressed the families and friends in the audience whose support and understanding helped to bring the class through the rigorous physical and academic training demands.

Having successfully met the all criteria of their recruit training, the 42nd Fire Fighter Class was presented to Fire Chief Darren Rosario, 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 have received their first station assignments at Central, Honokaa, South Kohala, Kailua, Keauhou, North Kohala, Kawailani, Pahoa, and Captain Cook Fire Stations.

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