MFD 29th Recruit Class Graduation

Maui Fire Fighter Recruits. Courtesy photo, MFD.

By Wendy Osher

A graduation ceremony was held on Friday at the Maui Tropical Plantation for 22 members of the 29th Maui Fire Department Recruit Class.

Members of the joint recruit class advance to positions at both the state airports and Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety.

Maui Fire Department Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray along with State Airports Fire Chief Martinez Jacobs announced the graduation of individuals and awards issued to both state and county recruits.

Chief Murray swearing in recruits. Courtesy photo MFD.

The newest firefighters for the Maui Fire Department are: Robert Alexander, Kamaui Aiona, Michael Kalalau, Merrit Kaufman, Kanoa Nishiki, Tyler Pascual, Kai Evermore, Bronson Pocock, Kaleo Puaa, Brandon Sturm, and Nicholas Tanaka.

Awards were issued to four individuals from the county recruit class including: Kai Evermore who was recognized with the Academic award; Michael Kalalau earned the Skills award; Kamaui Aiona was recognized as the Outstanding recruit; and Bronson Pocock earned the Department’s Ho’oulu award.

The state airport fire fighters are: Troy Demello, Ryan Dung, Evan Garces, Kurt Kahui, Pater Kaina IV, Jean Paul Karlen, Kealii Murray, Micah Palmerton, Tye Perdido, Cody Souza, and Keoni Wong.

Awards for the state recruits included: Troy Demello for Academics; Tye Perdido for Skills; Kurt Kahui was recognized as the Outstanding recruit; and Evan Garces was honored for Leadership.