KFD Holds Graduation Ceremony for 29th Recruit Class

KFD’s 29th Recruit Class takes the firefighters oath at Friday’s graduation ceremony. Contributed photo

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a special ceremony Friday, welcoming nine new firefighters at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha courtyard, according to a press release by the County of Kaua‘i.

Kai Adachi, Alden Lind, Christian Marston, Michael Carvalho, Charles Dubocage, Chase Bohn, Jeffery Kakuda, Drew Nakahara, and Donovan Silva comprise KFD’s 29^th Recruit Class.

“These nine gentlemen began their career on March 1, 2019, and endured seven months of accelerated training,” KFD Deputy Chief Kilipaki Vaughan said. “Today, these gentlemen of the 29^th Recruit Class will receive silver badges and begin their new journey as a Kaua‘i firefighter. May you each continue to strive for the summit of excellence in your kuleana as a public servant, with honor to each other in the fire service, and to the Kaua‘i community you so proudly serve with loyalty.”

Charles Dubocage receives his silver badge pin from his two daughters at Friday’s ceremony. Contributed photo

Friday’s ceremony began with an Honor Guard detail and a transfer of command. Deputy Vaughan led attendees in the Kaua‘i firefighters prayer, then called upon Managing Director Michael Dahilig who addressed the crowd on behalf of Mayor Derek Kawakami.

“It has been said that a firefighter’s greatest act of bravery is actually choosing to become a firefighter, and everything else done after that is all in the line of work,” said Dahilig. “On behalf of Mayor Kawakami and our entire administration, thank you. Thank you for choosing the path of public service.”

The ceremony continued with the ceremonial pinning of badges followed by the recruits taking the firefighters oath in front of an audience of their family and friends. It concluded with a special Ha‘a performance by the 29^th Recruit Class.

Kai Adachi was born and raised on Kaua‘i and currently resides in Puhi. He is a graduate of Kaua‘i High School. Adachi thanks his family and friends for their support and encouragement throughout the recruit class training. He also thanks the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Training Bureau staff, and training instructors for the opportunity to serve the community. Adachi will be assigned to the Kalāheo fire station.

KFD’s 29th Recruit Class perform the ha‘a at Friday’s ceremony. Contributed photo

Alden Lind was born on Kaua‘i and currently resides in Wailua. He is a graduate of Kaua‘i High School. Lind thanks his girlfriend Summer, family, and friends, along with the Training Bureau staff and the KFD personnel. Lind will be assigned to the Kalāheo fire station.

Christian Marston was born in Līhu‘e and raised on the North Shore of Kaua‘i. He is a graduate of Kapa‘a High School and currently resides in Kapahi. He thanks his wife Madison Perry, children Dylan-lux and Mānoa Banx, mother-in-law Elyson Perry, and mom Haunani Asing Marston for their love and support during the recruit class training. He also thanks the KFD Training Bureau staff, and all those who had a hand in preparing him and his peers to serve the County of Kaua‘i. Marston will be assigned to the Hanapēpē fire station.

Michael Carvalho was born and raised on Kaua‘i and currently resides in Wailua Homesteads. He is a graduate of Elite Element Academy. Carvalho acknowledges his parents Billy and Michelle Carvalho, his girlfriend Jade, and brother Brandon for their continued support and encouragement throughout his recruit class training. He also thanks the KFD Training Bureau staff and all instructors. Carvalho will be assigned to the Hanapēpē fire station.

Front row, left to right: Kai Adachi, Christian Marston, Alden Lind, Drew Nakahara and Donovan Silva. Back row, left to right: Michael Carvalho, Charles Dubocage, Chase Bohn and Jeffery Kakuda. Contributed photo

Charles Dubocage currently lives in Wailua, and thanks his family for their support during his recruit class training. He acknowledges and thanks his parents, the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Training Bureau staff, and training cadres for their support and help during the recruit class training. Dubocage will be assigned to the Kalāheo fire station.

Chase Bohn graduated from Kaua‘i High School and currently resides in Kekaha. He acknowledges his girlfriend Coral Knapp, sons Taj and Rex, and his parents Charles and Giesele Bohn. He thanks the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Training Bureau staff, and all KFD personnel involved in training the 29^th Recruit Class. Bohn will be assigned to the Waimea fire station.

Jeffery Kakuda was born and raised on Kaua‘i and currently residents in Hanapēpē. He graduated from Waimea High School. Kakuda thanks his wife, two sons, and family for their continued support over the course of his recruit training. He also acknowledges the KFD Training Bureau Staff and instructors for their guidance throughout the recruit class training. Kakuda will be assigned to the Waimea fire station.

KFD’s 29th Recruit Class are greeted by family and friends at the conclusion of Friday’s graduation ceremony. Contributed photo

Drew Nakahara was born and raised in Kīlauea and currently resides in Wailua. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Nakahara thanks his fiancé Angela Mones, and his family for their love and support over the course of his training. He also thanks the KFD Training Bureau staff as well as the instructors that influenced him throughout the process. Nakahara will be assigned to the Hanapēpē fire station.

Donovan Silva was born and raised in Hau‘ula, O‘ahu, and current resides in Kekaha. He is a graduate of Kahuku High and Intermediate School. Silva would like to thank his wife Gabrielle Silva, son Nohili, parents Julia and Donald Silva, and in-laws Cindy and Kaili Driver for their loving support. He also thanks the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Training Bureau staff, and all trainers for their support and help during the recruit class training. Silva will be assigned to the Waimea fire station.