By Staff Reports
(LĪHU‘E) – The Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) held a special ceremony Tuesday morning at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall to promote five firefighters.
“It is my honor to present the newly promoted officers of the Kaua‘i Fire Department who continue to provide public safety services covering over 622 square miles, for 71,000 residents and 29,000 visitors each day,” said Temporary Assigned (TA) Assistant Chief Solomon Kanoho, who emceed Tuesday’s ceremony. “Congratulations to you all. As we leave here today, remember to support one another as you continue on this chosen career path with patience, understanding, and above else – aloha.”
Kanoho began Monday’s ceremony with a moment of silence for the fallen police officers of the Honolulu Police Department, and their families and friends. He then recited the firefighter’s prayer before calling upon guest speakers and proceeding with the pinning of badges.
“The recent tragic events on O‘ahu puts into perspective the reality of what it means to be a first responder, and the ultimate cost and sacrifice you are willing to take every day,” said Michael Dahilig, Managing Director who expressed remarks on behalf of Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “Earlier this month when our firefighters and police recovered the remains of seven individuals who died in a helicopter crash on Kaua‘i, we were also reminded of the difficult situations that fall on your shoulders. Yet, you still report for duty with honor, humility, and aloha, and we thank you and all of our first responders and your loved ones for continuing to answer this call for service.”
Mathew Ballard was promoted to Firefighter III, and is now based in the KFD Prevention Bureau. He joined the department in 2010, with his last assignment as a Firefighter II on Rescue 3 at the Līhu‘e Fire Station. Ballard currently serves on the department’s EMS Committee, Honor Guard, and the Helicopter Training Cadre. He was also a member of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard and served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Combat Medic. Ballard thanks his wife Jennifer Ballard, and his family for their love and support, along with his fellow KFD firefighters. He received his promotional badge from his wife Jennifer.
Jacob Minei was promoted to Firefighter III, and is now based in the KFD Prevention Bureau. He joined KFD in 2010, with his last assignment at the Kōloa fire station. Minei serves on the EMS, Hazmat, and Communications committees, as well as the Standpipe Operations Cadre. He thanks his wife Kristin Minei, daughter Madison, as well as their parents for their love and support. Minei received his promotional badge from his wife Kristin.
Kalehiamaikalani “Lehia” Pomroy was promoted to Firefighter III, and is now based in the KFD Training Bureau. He joined the department in 2001, with his last assignment as a Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist at the Kaiākea fire station. He thanks his girlfriend Owana Botelho, parents Paul and Neolani Pomroy, as well as his family, friends, and fellow coworkers for their support. Pomroy received his promotional badge from his father, retired KFD Rescue Captain Paul Pomroy.
William “Butch” Keahiolalo was promoted to Fire Captain, and is now based at the Kalāheo fire station. He joined the department in 2001, with his last assignment as Firefighter III on Rescue 3 at the Līhu‘e Fire Station. He is also the current director of the department’s Helicopter Program. Keahiolalo thanks his wife Toni Keahiolalo, his daughters, and well as his family and friends for their love and support. He received his promotional badge from his wife Toni.
Kilipaki Vaughan was promoted to Fire Captain, and is now based at the Hanapēpē fire station. He joined the department in 2004, with his last assignment as Deputy Fire Chief. He has also served as Firefighter II Rescue/Hazmat, Firefighter III Fire Inspector and Fire Lieutenant in the KFD Prevention Bureau. Vaughan also holds a certification and training as Fire Officer IV. He has served on various committees throughout his career including KFD’s Grant Committee, where he was able to help secure over $8 million in funding that created new firefighter positions and procured a new quint apparatus and the fire education Sparky Trailer. Vaughan thanks his wife Mehana Vaughan, their keiki Piko, Nae, and Ana, his mom Ipolani, sister Hiwa, mother-in-law Beryl Blaich, and extended Bailey ‘ohana for their continued love and support. He also extends a special mahalo to Chief Robert Westerman, TA Assistant Chief Solomon Kanoho, and Fire Captain Dodd Apao for their friendship and mentorship over the years. Vaughan received his promotional badge from his wife Mehana.
In addition to the special promotion ceremony, members of the Friends of the Kaua‘i Fire Department were called to the stage to receive three check donations earmarked to support KFD’s community risk reduction programs. The Grove Farm Foundation donated $5,000 for the Kupuna Fall Prevention Program, HMSA donated $5,000 for the Kaua‘i High Utilizer Group, and Enterprise Holdings donated $2,000 for the Junior Firefighter Program.
Captain Kilipaki Vaughan expressed words of appreciation on behalf of the Friends of Kaua‘i Fire Department, thanking the donors for their generous contributions and support.
“The Friends of Kaua‘i Fire Department continues to forge enduring partnerships emphasizing the development of keiki, the needs of kupuna, and the challenges of our community members requiring greater prevention,” Vaughan said. “We thank our donors for empowering the community risk reduction programming we deliver with our valued partners.”