The class completed 28 weeks of rigorous physical training, academic study and practical skills training in medicaal, rescue and firefighting tactics.

KAHULUI – The Department of Fire & Public Safety recently celebrated the graduation of its 31st Recruit Class at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea.

After enduring 28 weeks of rigorous physical training, academic study and practical skills training in medical, rescue and firefighting tactics, 28 firefighters received their official badges in a long-awaited badge pinning ceremony.

The class was made up of 14 firefighters that will now join the ranks with the State of Hawaii, Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Division at various airports throughout the state.

They are: Justin Arruda; Damien Boone; Chase Carveiro; Karl Fryxell; Kyle Kawabata; Kealoha Kramer; Michael McMahon; Sean McNairy; Vaughn Meatoga; Kaioluhia Miguel-Hamakua; Newton Miller; Brandon Nerpio; John Paulo; and Kyle Steinke.

The other 14 firefighter graduates will be assigned to Maui County fire stations on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. They include: James Case; Jeremy Evert; Isaiah Guth; Nathanael Ham; Chase Johnson; Evan Johnson; Stephen Kroon; Lee Moyers; Vietnam Nguyen; Ian Pascua; La’akea Poepoe; Tay Soares; Bryan Staubitser; and Jonathan Takitani.

During the ceremony, graduating recruits were presented awards recognizing those who displayed excellence in the following categories: Most Outstanding, Overall – Bryan Staubitser; Most Outstanding, Academics – Chase Johnson; Most Outstanding, Functional Skills – Justin Arruda; Firefighter Spirit, Ho’ulu Award – Jeremy Evert; and Most Outstanding Team – Stephen Kroon and Michael McMahon.