Fire Department Holds Promotions Ceremony

Fire Department Holds Promotions Ceremony

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a special ceremony Friday morning to promote three firefighters at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha courtyard.

“We’re here today to honor these men for their commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Fire Chief Robert Westerman. “Congratulations, and thank you for continuing to believe in our mission and for putting other lives before yourselves on a daily basis.”

Chief Westerman began Friday’s ceremony with the “firefighter’s prayer” before proceeding with the pinning of badges.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. also congratulated the three men for taking this next step in their careers.

“I’ve said it many times, our firefighters are critical for the health of our community,” said Mayor Carvalho. “Mahalo to you and your ‘ohana, and on behalf of the County of Kaua‘i, our residents and visitors, we are truly grateful for all that you do.”

Kerry-Jon Ishikawa was promoted to Firefighter II, Hazmat, and is now based at the Kaiākea fire station. He has served in KFD for 15 years with his last assignment as Firefighter I at the Līhu‘e fire station. Ishikawa’s contributions to KFD include working as a Ropes Rescue instructor and Peer Fitness trainer. He would like to acknowledge his ‘ohana for their support – wife Jennifer, and children Kyren, Kaisa, Kazlee, Kozlyn, and Kyver. Ishikawa sends a special mahalo to all KFD members he has worked with, and who have helped him throughout his career. He received his promotional badge from his wife Jennifer.

Cadin Crane was promoted to Firefighter II, Hazmat, and is now based at the Kaiākea fire station. He has served in KFD for the past nine years, with his last assignment as Firefighter I at the Līhu‘e fire station. Crane’s contributions to KFD include working on the EMS and Equipment committees, as well as serving as a CPR instructor teaching EMS and CPR refresher classes. Crane would like to thank his wife Anna for her love and support throughout his career and raising their two sons while he is away from home. He would also like to thank his parents Bill and Sue, brother Firefighter I Chase Crane, stepparents Berny and Greg, stepsiblings Camille, Rosy, Dillon, and Cameron, as well as in-laws Ale Quibilan, and Tim and Irene Blume, for all their support. Crane would like to acknowledge and thank Fire Chief Robert Westerman, Deputy Fire Chief Kilipaki Vaughan, and Assistant Chief Dean Lake for this opportunity. He extends a special mahalo to the community of Kaua‘i and all of his previous captains and crews he’s worked with for their knowledge, training, and friendship. Crane received his promotional badge from his wife Anna.

Mathew Ballard was promoted to Firefighter II, Rescue. He has served in KFD for the past seven years with his last assignment as Firefighter I at the Kōloa fire station. Ballard’s contributions to KFD include working on the EMS committee, serving as a CPR instructor and as an Honor Guard member. He would like to thank his ‘ohana for their support – wife Jennifer, keiki Wyatt, Savannah, and Olivia, as well as in-laws Darlene and Ruben Soriano. Ballard received his promotional badge from his wife Jennifer. He has begun his promotional assignment on Rescue 3, based in the Līhu‘e fire station.

KFD 1: Pictured from left to right: Fire Chief Robert Westerman, Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist Kerry-Jon Ishikawa, Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist Cadin Crane, Firefighter II Rescue Specialist Mathew Ballard, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

KFD 2: Pictured from left to right: Battalion Chief Gary Hudson, Assistant Chief Dean Lake, Fire Chief Robert Westerman, Firefighter II Rescue Specialist Mathew Ballard, Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist Cadin Crane, Firefighter II Hazmat Specialist Kerry-Jon Ishikawa, Battalion Chief Jason Ornellas, and Battalion Chief Solomon Kanoho.