Maui Fire Chief Ventura and Deputy Chief Fujioka Sworn In

Brad Ventura was sworn into office as the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety’s new Chief, and Gavin Fujioka was sworn in a as Deputy Chief today during a ceremony hosted by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today.

“I look forward to working with all of the departments and the Mayor’s Office in the years to come,” said Chief Ventura. “I will continue to run the department the same way I run my life, which is the way I was raised–which is do right by the people, do right by the community, keep everybody safe so that everybody can go home at the end of the day.”

He expressed excitement in the future saying, he’s humbled by the honor to serve as Chief.

Deputy Chief Fujioka said, “It’s truly an honor to be considered for this position… I’m truly excited. It’s going to be a big change for me, but I’m up for the challenge.”

Chief Ventura is a 19 year veteran of the Department and has served in several capacities throughout his career. He started as a Firefighter I on Engine 10 in Kahului, then as a Firefighter II on Rescue 10. Upon his promotion to Firefighter III in 2011, Chief Ventura served in the Health and Safety Bureau, Ladder 3, and Hazmat 10. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and served on Engine 11 in Nāpili. In 2018, he was selected to serve as Deputy Fire Chief.

Department officials say Chief Ventura was instrumental while serving as an instructor of many firefighting disciplines throughout his career. These disciplines include: Vehicle Extrication, ICS, All-Hazards Incident Management, Hazardous Materials, and Rescue Systems.

Chief Ventura is a 1993 graduate of HP Baldwin High School, and 1997 graduate of Hawaiʻi Pacific University where he earned his bachelors degree in Public Administration. He is married to wife Emily and they have two daughters; Chloe and Bailey.

Ventura fills the spot created by the retirement of Maui Fire Chief David Thyne in June.

The Department of Fire and Public Safety provides emergency and non-emergency services for the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe and the surrounding waters. The Department has 14 fire stations throughout the County of Maui. There are 10 fire stations on the island of Maui, three fire stations on the island of Molokaʻi, and one fire station on the island of Lānaʻi.