LIHUE — It’s not official until you get the new badge.
On Friday, three personnel from the Kauai Fire Department — Lance Dettle, Russell Fujimoto, and William Miller — and Ocean Safety Bureau Kaeo Lopez celebrated their respective promotions where each new promoted officer received their new badges during the Promotional Ceremony held at the Moikeha Building.
“We thank all of you who accepted the challenge to contribute to the future success of the Kauai Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “These men maintain high morale and integrity, and our department is better because of that. When they learn together and train together, they reinforce each other. Everyone around them becomes better.”
Lance Dettle, a 10-year veteran of the Kauai Fire Department, was promoted to Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist and got his new badge pinned by his daughters Olive and Nora who got help from Lance’s wife Jessi.
Born and raised in North California, Dettle expresses his heartfelt gratitude to KFD for the opportunity to serve, his mentors and colleagues for guidance and teamwork, and his wife Jessi for her unwavering support throughout his career.
Russell Fujimoto and William Miller received badges for Firefighter II.
Fujimoto, a 14-year veteran with KFD, received his badge from his wife Lauren and daughter Daisy. He extended his gratitude to all the crews he has worked with throughout his career for their camaraderie and support. He also thanked his wife for her steadfast encouragement.
Miller was born and raised in Hawaii Kai on O‘ahu, graduated in 2007 from Punahou School, and attended college in Southern California before returning to Hawaii to join the Kauai Fire Department.
“Now proud to call Koloa home, Miller has served with the department for 11 years and is honored to be a part of the Scuba Dive Rescue and Rescue Watercraft Teams,” said Administrative Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo who served as emcee for the day’s program. “Billy expresses deep gratitude to his parents for their love, guidance, and sacrifices in raising four children who are dedicated to service in both community and country. He thanks his family and extended family on Oahu and Kauai for all their unwavering love and support. He also acknowledges his KFD family, every crew he has worked with, every captain who has mentored him, and the administrative staff for their contributions to his journey. Standing on the shoulders of giants, Billy is honored to carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way before him. More importantly, he thanks his wife Whitney for her love and support. Her strength and care for him and their daughter Welina are his foundation.”
Miller received his new badge from Whitney who had Welina securely strapped to her.
New Ocean Safety Bureau Captain Kaeo Kai Frederick Kinimaka Lopez hails from Anahola, Kauai, Pablo said.
“With 21 years of dedicated service to the Ocean Safety Bureau, Kaeo is a pioneer member and senior operator of the elite Roving Rescue Craft Unit,” Pablo said. “He is the son of Frederick Joe Lopez, and the nephew of legendary waterman Titus Kinimaka. Kaeo would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to all those who believed in him, including Chief Kalani Vierra, his brother, Prevention Captain Kaleo Lopez, the OSB East District Crew, and his beautiful wife Tiana Kunioka Lopez.”
Tiana did the honors of bestowing the appropriate badge of office to Kaeo before the group of family, friends, and supporters disbanded to tend to more matters like the Employee Council’s presentation of the largest amount of gifts to The Salvation Army Angel Tree program that Miller helped move the pile of 75 gifts.