KFD, OSB hold promotion and welcome ceremony Friday

Published on December 13, 2024

LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) and Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) held a ceremony Friday morning at the Līhu‘e Civic Center to promote three KFD firefighters and one OSB officer.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson addressed the four first responders in front of a crowd of family, friends, and supporters.

“We thank all of you who accepted the challenge to contribute to the future success of the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau,” said Fire Chief Gibson. “These men maintain high morale and integrity, and our department is better because of that. When they learn together and train together, they reinforce each other. Everyone around them becomes better.”

Administrative Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo was the emcee in today’s ceremony.

“It is my honor to present your family member, friend, companion, and son for their promotions within the Kaua‘i Fire Department and as newest additions with the Ocean Safety Bureau,” said BC Pablo.

“To all of our firefighters and Ocean Safety Officers getting promoted today, congratulations. I know it didn't come easy; it came with a lot of hard work, studying, and overcoming adversity, which required tremendous amounts of sacrifice,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.  “You are climbing the ladder of leadership. You will need that support system at home because with every promotion, we assume more responsibility.”

Fire Fighter 2 Hazmat Specialist Lance Dettle

Fire Fighter 2 Hazmat Specialist Lance Dettle was born and raised in North California and has dedicated 10 years of service to the Kaua‘i Fire Department.  Over the years, Lance has contributed to various committees, including the Equipment Committee, Hands-Only CPR Instructor Cadre, EMS Cadre, R&D Committee, and Grant Committee.  Lance expresses his heartfelt gratitude to KFD for the opportunity to serve, his mentors and colleagues for guidance and teamwork, and his wife Jessi for her unwavering support throughout his career.  Lance will be pinned by his daughters, Olive and Nora, with the help of his wife, Jessi.

Fire Fighter 3 Russell Fujimoto

Fire Fighter 3 Russell Fujimoto has been a dedicated member of the Kaua‘i Fire Department for 14 years, contributing significantly to its operations and initiatives.  He is an active Communications, Drone, and SCBA Committees member.  Additionally, he participates in the EMS and Fire Ground Survival Cadres, the Peer Support Program, and the Kaua‘i Fire Department Relief Fund.  Russell extends his gratitude to all the crews he has worked with throughout his career for their camaraderie and support.  He also thanks his wife, Lauren, for her steadfast encouragement.  Russell will be pinned by his wife, Lauren, along with their daughter Daisy. 

Fire Fighter 3 William Miller

Fire Fighter 3 William Miller was born and raised in Hawai‘i Kai on the island of O‘ahu.  A 2007 graduate of Punahou, Billy attended college in Southern California before returning home to join the Kaua‘i Fire Department.  Now proud to call Kōloa home, he has served with the department for 11 years and is honored to be a part of the Scuba Dive Rescue and Rescue Watercraft Teams.  Billy expresses deep gratitude to his parents for their love, guidance, and sacrifice in raising four children who are dedicated to service in both community and country.  He thanks his family and extended family on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i for all their unwavering love and support.  He also acknowledges his KFD family, every crew he has worked with, every captain who has mentored him, and the administrative staff for their contributions to his journey.  Standing on the shoulders of giants, Billy is honored to carry forward the legacy of those who paved the way before him.  Most importantly, he thanks his wife, Whitney, for her love and support.  Her strength and care for him and their daughter, Welina, are his foundation.  Pinning Billy will be his wife, Whitney.

Ocean Safety Bureau Captain Kaeo Lopez

Ocean Safety Bureau Captain Kaeo Kai Frederick Kinimaka Lopez hails from Anahola, Kaua‘i.  With 21 years of dedicated service to the Ocean Safety Bureau, Kaeo is a pioneer member and senior operator of the elite Roving Rescue Craft Unit.  He is the son of Frederick Joe Lopez and the nephew of legendary waterman Titus Kinimaka.  Kaeo would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to all those who believed in him, including Chief Kalani Vierra, his brother Prevention Captain Kaleo Lopez, the OSB East District Crew, and his beautiful wife Tiana Kunioka Lopez, as well as his ‘ohana. Pinning Captain Lopez is his wife, Tiana.

From left to right: KFD Chief Michael Gibson, Firefighter II Lance Dettle, Firefighter III Russell Fujimoto, Firefighter III William Miller, OSB Captain Kaeo Lopez, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, KFD Deputy Chief Roger Mills, Battalion Chief Ehren Edwards, Battalion Chief Reid Tanita, Battalion Chief Bryan Doo, and Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo.

Mayor Derek Kawakami (right) speaks to a crowd gathered at the KFD and OSB promotional ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Līhu‘e Civic Center.

A promotion ceremony was held for the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau at the Līhu‘e Civic Center on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

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