16 Maui Fire Recruits Join Ranks of Fire Department

MFD 30th Recruit Graduation. Back Row L to R: Kai McLaughlin, Brad Liu, Michael Medoff, Brett Collett, Seth Herrick, Kawika Casco, Steven Graver, Kekupaa Naeole. Front Row L to R: Jimi Caldeira, Kristopher Stadler, Jason Sanchez, Jacob Souki, Christopher Stankis, Brian Ferrari, Matthew Ramsey, Casey Morisaki. ARFF Recruits: Jimi Caldeira, Michael Medoff. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

A total of 16 fire recruits were sworn in to state and county departments after successfully completing a six month recruit training program.

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety’s 30th Recruit Class graduated on Dec. 20, in a ceremony held at the King Kamehameha Ballroom in Waikapu.

The newest firefighters for the Maui Fire Department are: Kai McLaughlin, Brad Liu, Michael Medoff, Brett Collett, Seth Herrick, Kawika Casco, Steven Graver, Kekupaa Naeole, Jimi Caldeira, Kristopher Stadler, Jason Sanchez, Jacob Souki, Christopher Stankis, Brian Ferrari, Matthew Ramsey, and Casey Morisaki.

Two recruits — Jimi Caldeira, and Michael Medoff — graduated as part of the state Airport Rescue Fire Fighter program.

Awards were issued to several individuals from the county recruit class including: Kristopher Stadler who was recognized with the Academic award; Jacob Souki earned the Skills award; Kai McLaughlin and Jimi Caldeira were honored with the Outstanding Team award; Matthew Ramsey was recognized as the Outstanding Overall recruit; and Kawika Casco earned the Department’s Charles Iwata Firefighter Spirit Award.

The recruits are currently assigned to various stations after receiving their badges during a badge pinning ceremony before family, friends and dignitaries.