Joshua Riccio is achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. The next stop for the Hawaii State Fire Department recruit is ten months of EMT training in Hilo.

WEST MAUI — As a young child, he witnessed the heroism and efficiency of firefighters in rescuing a neighborhood family from their home as it was engulfed in flames in their Florida homestead.

Now, some 25 years later, Joshua Riccio continues on the pathway of his admiration for first responders as a training recruit for the Hawaii State Fire Department (ARFF).

“Those firefighters rescued two victims, a grandma and granddaughter, along with several dogs as their home was destroyed by flames in a matter of minutes. The heroism I witnessed first-hand inspired me with lasting respect for all first responders, especially firefighters,” said West Side resident Riccio.

He started the process in 2019, studying for the written exam with the help of his fiancee, Victoria Chadsey, for over 100 hours. That dedication paid off, as Riccio scored a 94 percent on the test.

Next up would be the Physical Abilities Test, where Riccio would seek and receive detailed advice and first-hand training from longtime friends and Napili Canoe Club mates Bear Keahi and Bubba Kukahiko.

Keahi is a state firefighter at Kahului Airport, while Kukahiko is stationed at the county facility at Napili.

The two mentors put Riccio through mock drills and simulated fire and rescue situations — tips and techniques that, combined with his physical condition as a world-class stand up paddler and martial arts practitioner, served to give him a solid foundation and confidence for the test.

Then came the crucial interview portion of the process where Keahi, along with Kapalua Airport Firefighter Rian Takeshita and retired Fire Captain Tony Magallon, put Riccio through a mock interview to practice his skills in the process.

“They all helped tremendously with their experiences to prepare me for the tests and interviews,” said Riccio.

“They all really portrayed the amazing characteristics of what it takes to be a firefighter and shared all of their knowledge to help me prepare for the interview.”

When the tests and interview were complete, Riccio was remarkably selected as one of five of 50 applicants to be selected for the next Hawaii State Fire Department recruit class.

Next up will be ten months of EMT training in Hilo, then a return to Maui to be stationed at either Kapalua or Kahului Airport.

Riccio expressed his appreciation to Keahi, Kukahiko, Takeshita and Magallon for their invaluable advice and guidance, as well as for the united support of his family and Chadsey for their encouragement to pursue his lifelong dream to be a firefighter.

“I look forward to serving the Maui community as a first responder and working alongside the amazing men and women of the State of Hawaii Fire Department,” said Riccio.