Nine on the fire line Oct. 1

LIHUE — A firefighter’s greatest act of bravery is actually choosing to become a firefighter, said county Managing Director Michael Dahilig Friday during the graduation of nine Kauai Fire Department firefighters in the 29th recruit class at the Lihue Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building rotunda.

“Everything else he does after that is all in the line of work,” said Dahilig, representing Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.

The nine graduates are Kai Adachi, Alden Lind, Christian Marston, Michael Carvalho, Charles Dubocage, Chase Bohn, Jeffery Kakuda, Drew Nakahara and Donovan Silva, and are poised to enter the KFD fire line starting Oct. 1 at the different fire stations around the island following their training that started March 1.

Training Capt. Adam Hussey, Fire Fighter III Ka‘eo Kinoshita, and Fire Fighter III Jeremy Cole were the trainers.

Deputy Fire Chief Kilipaki Vaughan delivered messages on behalf of the graduates.

“Christian would like to say a very big mahalo to his wife Madison, mother-in-law Elyson Perry, and mom Haunani Asing Marston,” Vaughn said. “Without these women loving and caring for his children day in and day out, completing this recruit class would not have been possible.

“Michael would like to acknowledge his parents Billy and Michelle Carvalho as well as his girlfriend Jade and brother Brandon for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit training.

“Jeffery would like to send a special thanks to his wife, his two sons, and the rest of his family for the continued support over the course of his recruit training.

“And Drew would like to acknowledge his fiance Angela and family for their love and continued support over the course of his training.”

The recruit class presented a ha‘a composed by Devin Kamealoha Forrest of Hanalei-Haena.