HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230224KFD.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL GIBSON, CHIEF
(808) 241-4980
KFD, OSB promotes 12 first responders at special ceremony Friday
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) and Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) held a special
ceremony Friday morning at the Līhu‘e Civic Center to promote 12 first responders.
Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson addressed the 12 first responders in front of a
crowd of family, friends, supporters, and dignitaries.
“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 Michael Gibson. “Remember who you
are, remember what this department stands for, and remember the people who came before you and
ensure that you honor them as well.”
Administrative Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo was the emcee in today’s ceremony.
“It is my honor to present your family member, friend, companion, daughter, and sons for their
promotions within the Kaua‘i Fire Department and as newest additions with the Ocean Safety Bureau,”
said BC Pablo at Friday’s ceremony.
“Mahalo to the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, and most importantly, the
support of your families and friends,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “To our new first responders,
thank you for being willing to protect our most precious resource, the residents and visitors of Kaua‘i. To
everyone promoted today, the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication your family members have given you
so you can be successful are priceless. The people of Kaua‘i, County of Kaua‘i, and myself are very
thankful.”
Deputy Chief Roger Mills
Deputy Chief Roger Mills was born and raised on Kaua‘i, attended the Kamehameha Schools
before graduating from the University of Hawai‘i. He started his career with the Honolulu Fire
Department before transferring home to the Kaua‘i Fire Department. He would like to thank his family,
friends, and former fire chiefs for all their support and encouragement throughout his career. Deputy
Chief Mills started his promotional assignment on Oct. 1 in our Administrative Bureau under the
command of Fire Chief Michael Gibson. Pinning Deputy Fire Chief Mills was his son, Colton.
Battalion Chief Reid Tanita
Battalion Chief Reid Tanita was born and raised on Kaua‘i. He currently resides in ‘Ele‘ele with
his wife Kathy and sons Robbie and Raiden. BC Tanita joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 1997, with his
last assignment as a Captain on Rescue 3. BC Tanita currently serves on the Helicopter Cadre, Ropes
Cadre and Health and Wellness Committee. BC Tanita would like to thank his wife Kathy, sons Robbie
and Raiden as well as his entire family for their love, understanding and support. He would like to also
thank Chief Gibson, Deputy Chief Mills, the Battalion Chiefs, and his peers who he has had the honor
and privilege to work with. Pinning Reid were his father, Robert; and his sons, Robbie and Raiden.
Fire Captain Mathew Ballard
Fire Captain Mathew Ballard was born in Gallup, New Mexico and raised in Northwest Montana.
He moved to Kaua‘i in 2009 and joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 2010. He currently serves the
department on the Pumping Operations Cadre, EMS Committee, Helicopter Training Cadre, and the
Honor Guard. He would like to thank his family (his parents: Sue and Solomon Kanoho, his brother
Justin) and friends for their support. His wife, Jennifer, pinned him today.
Fire Captain Michael Imai Karratti
Fire Captain Imai Karratti was born and raised in Kekaha on the Westside of Kaua‘i. He joined
the Fire Department in November 2005 with Recruit Class 17. His last assignment was at Station 7 in
Waimea under the command of Captain Kinoshita. Imai is a member of the Rope Rescue Team, Vehicle
Extrication, and Helicopter Operations Cadres. Imai would like to thank all his previous captains and
crews, and those who shared their time, experience and knowledge with him. Mahalo nui to Captain
Fujimoto, Captain Hosaka, Captain Kuwamura, Captain Langstaff, Captain Keahiolalo, and Captain
Kinoshita. Mahalo nui to Chief Pablo, Chief Doo, Chief Edwards, Chief Ornellas, Chief Tanita, and Fire
Chief Gibson for this opportunity. Imai thanks God for all his blessings and wants to thank his parents
Steven and Phyllis Karratti for their examples and teachings. He would like to especially thank his Ohana,
his wife Jessica and his children: Anuhea, Po’ohala, and Lu’ukai, da best gang in the world. Pinning Imai
were his wife Jessica, and Parents Steven and Phyllis Karratti.
Fire Captain Raymond Veeck
Fire Captain Raymond Veeck was born and raised on Kaua‘i. He currently resides in Kapa‘a with
his wife, Jennifer and daughter, Pualei. Raymond joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 2007. Raymond
would like to acknowledge his mentors and his coworkers that gave, and continue to give, advice,
challenges, and friendship. Raymond would like to thank his wife and daughter, for their love and
support. Pinning Firefighter Raymond Veeck was his wife, Jennifer.
Firefighter III Cadin Crane
Fire Fighter Cadin Crane was born in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Central California before
moving to Kaua‘i in 2001. He currently lives in Kalāheo with his wife Anna and their three boys Zion,
Xander, and Yonyx. Fire Fighter Crane joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 2009 with his last assignment
at Station 8 under the command of Captain Dodd Apao. FF Crane serves on the CPR Cadre as the
Program Director, as well as serving on the EMS Committee and Training Cadre. FF Crane would like to
acknowledge his family, especially his wife and sons for their amazing love and support throughout his
career. FF Crane started his promotional assignment in the Kaua‘i Fire Department Prevention Bureau
under the command of Fire Captain Jeremie Makepa. Pinning Firefighter 3 Crane was his, Anna.
Firefighter II Shane Pope
Fire Fighter Shane Pope was born and raised in Long Beach, California before moving to Kaua‘i in
2004. Fire Fighter Pope joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 2009. He would like to thank his wife,
Bridget and his children, Juliana, Curren and Koi for their love and support.
Ocean Safety Bureau’s New Officers
OSO I Micah Hanano
Ocean Safety Officer I Micah Hanano was born and raised on Kaua‘i, where he currently resides
in Līhu‘e. OSO Micah would like to acknowledge his family, neighbors, friends, and the whole Ocean
Safety Bureau for all the love and support. OSO Micah will be working in the East district, or anywhere
needed.
SO I Sierra “Lei” Deguchi
Ocean Safety Officer I Lei Deguchi was born and raised on Kaua‘i. She currently resides in
Puhi. OSO Lei would like to acknowledge her family & friends for all their love and support. Most
importantly, she would like to thank the two female lifeguards Sanoe Hookano and Savannah Fliers, who
have always taken the time to guide & train her to reach her goal of becoming a lifeguard on Kaua‘i.
They both have been & will continue to be a huge inspiration to her. OSO Lei will be working in the
South/West district.
OSO I Ian Baker
Ocean Safety Officer I Ian Baker was born and raised on O‘ahu. He currently resides in Princeville
with his wife California, and daughters Matamae, Kiyo, and Mahana. OSO Ian would like to acknowledge
his wife for her love and support, and the Ocean Safety Bureau ‘ohana for their aloha. OSO Ian will be
working on the North district.
OSO I Kenui Topp
Ocean Safety Officer I Kenui Topp was born in Koloa, Kaua‘i and raised on the west side of the
island. He currently resides in the Puna district with his dear ‘ohana, mother Billi Smith, father Scott
Topp, sister Hālaʻi Pulaa, and daughter Mattea Topp. OSO Kenui Topp would like to acknowledge his
grandfather Bill Smith for forever inspiring him to be more in the ocean as a waterman, his family for the
unconditional love and support, and his daughter Mattea for being the light in his life. OSO Kenui will be
working within the South/West district.
OSO I Asher Encinas
Ocean Safety Officer I Asher Encinas was born and raised in Southern California in Laguna
Niguel. He currently resides in Kalāheo and will be working in the East District of Kaua‘i’s Ocean Safety
Department.
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