Arruda, Okazaki and Puaa promoted by Maui Fire Department

The Maui Fire Department today announced the promotion of three of its members. They include Battalion Chief Derrick Arruda to the rank of Assistant Chief of Operations; and Kelan Puaa and Glenn Okazaki to Fire Fighter III (Driver).

BC Derrick Arruda shakes hands with Chief Murray as Deputy Chief Shimada looks on. File photo courtesy County of Maui.

Derrick Arruda with family. File photo from Arruda's 2009 promotion. By Wendy Osher.

BC Arruda takes on his new post as AC of Operations effective January 1, 2011.

In his new capacity, Arruda will be responsible for oversee ing day-to-day
Fire/Rescue Operations and supervise six
battalion chiefs under his command.

“I’m pleased that this critical position has been filled by someone of Assistant Chief Arruda’s caliber,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “He has proven himself to be a capable leader who is responsive to the
public and the department’s needs,” said Tavares.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray praised Arruda’s dedication, service and leadership, crediting Arruda with guidance in developing the Department’s vehicle acquisition team.

“Assistant Chief Arruda has been instrumental in ensuring that we obtain safe and reliable fire trucks that are designed and built correctly from start to finish,” said Murray. “He is well-respected for his positive attitude and leadership by example, and for his effectiveness as a liaison with outside agencies and departments,” said Murray.

FF III Glenn Okazaki. Courtesy Photo.

FF III Kelan Puaa. Courtesy Photo.

Arruda is a 22 year veteran of the Maui Fire Department, having served his first assignment in 1989 on Lanai. In 1994, he transferred to Maui where he was assigned to the Kahului Fire Station as a Fire Fighter I., before he was promoted to Fire Fighter III that came with a return assignment to Lanai in 1995. Arruda was promoted to Captain in 2002 and assigned to the Rescue Unit in Kahului. His most recent promotion to Battalion Chief came 18 months ago in July of 2009.

The two other department promotions were for Fire Fighter III Drivers. Puaa is stationed at the Hoolehua Fire Station on Molokai, and Okazaki serves at the Training Bureau in Kahului on Maui.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information courtesy County of Maui)