W ith marking the a common goal of serving the Kaua‘i community, firefighter trainees were pinned in a ceremony Friday afternoon, successful completion of field and classroom training led by Kaua‘i Fire Department officers. The eight men pinned represent the
W ith marking the a common goal of serving the Kaua‘i community, firefighter trainees were pinned in a ceremony Friday afternoon, successful completion of field and classroom training led by Kaua‘i Fire Department officers.
The eight men pinned represent the 16th recruit class of the department.
The trainees were hired in November, spending three months in both classroom instruction and handson department training. Effective Tuesday, Feb. 1, they will be assigned to various fire stations, and will begin responding to emergency calls. The eight men are classified as firefighter trainees for one year.
KFD Training Capt. Jim Read presided over the ceremony, with remarks also offered by Gary Heu, administrative assistant to Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, and incoming KFD Chief Robert “Bob” Westerman, who assumes the chief’s role on Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Westerman jovially commented that he and the trainees are “all new together,” and encouraged the men to strive for the best.
“Looking at each of you, I see the potential for eight fire chiefs,” Westerman said.
Heu, representing Baptiste, said that the day was a proud one for the men, their families and the community.
“As they embark on their journey today, they have stepped forward to join the fraternity of men and women who are willing to lay it on the line for the wellbeing and safety of others,” said Heu.
Those pinned were Salvador Hernandez, Adam Hussey, Richard Juday, Kevin Perry, Maui Kjeldsen, Gavin Kennelly, James Kelly and Ryan Washburn.
Each of the men indicated that in some way they wanted to become a firefighter to serve their community. Kennelly had indicated that he wanted to “give back to the island” that he loves. Perry said he recognized the role of the firefighters on Kaua‘i, and wanted to share in the “positive influence they have on the community.”
Hussey echoed Perry’s sentiments, and said, “Firefighting is a rewarding career, where you get the chance to serve the community in a positive way.”
Assigned to the Waimea fire station are Kennelly and Washburn. Kennelly resides in Wainiha, and Washburn, with his wife and two sons, resides in Lihu‘e. Juday, Kelly and Hernandez will be joining the personnel at the Koloa fire sta tion. Juday lives in Lihu‘e with his wife and two sons. Kelly is a resident of Kapa‘a, and Hernandez, with his wife and daughter, lives in Kalaheo. Hussey, a Hanalei resident, will be joining the Kalaheo fire station, and Kjeldsen and Perry have been assigned to the Hanapepe fire station. Kjeldsen lives in Lihu‘e
