KFD Holds Graduation Ceremony for 26th Recruit Class

From left to right, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman, Travis Miyazaki, Abraham Mohr, Dylan James, Kahai Hosaka, Chase Crane and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.

Kaua’i Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. welcomed five new firefighters to KFD during a ceremonial pinning of the badges held last month at the Līhu’e Civic Center at the Moikeha Building.

Chase Crane, Kahai Hosaka, Dylan James, Travis Miyazaki and Abraham Mohr were announced as the department’s 26^th Recruit Class in the company of their family, friends and colleagues.

“You now begin your new journey as a Kaua‘i firefighter,” Westerman said. “This is a career built on tradition, pride and much sacrifice. As you continue to learn and grow in your position, I hope you will find that being a firefighter and serving your community is a job that is as rewarding as it is challenging.”

Chase Crane moved with his family from Pismo Beach, Calif. 10 years ago and currently lives in Kalāheo. He thanked his family and girlfriend for their support in his career choice and throughout his training. Crane’s father, Bill, pinned his firefighter badge.

Kahai Hosaka is a life-long resident of Kekaha and graduate of Waimea High School and Colorado Mesa University. Hosaka always wanted to be a firefighter and follow in the footsteps of his father, KFD Battalion Chief Shawn Hosaka, who pinned Hosaka’s badge.

Dylan James was born and raised in Kīlauea and is a graduate of Kaua‘i High School and Kaua‘i Community College. He thanked his family for their encouragement and support and looks forward to an exciting career ahead. James was pinned by his mother, Vicki.

Travis Miyazaki was pinned by his wife, Jana, and their daughter, Malie. Miyazaki is a graduate of Kaua‘i High School and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Miyazaki thanked his wife for her patience and understanding as he pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter and serving his community.

Abraham Mohr moved to Kaua‘i from Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 16. He left Kaua‘i for college but later returned and is now a resident of Kapa‘a. Mohr thanked his parents and family for their encouragement and guidance, and he looks forward to helping others. His father, Richard, presented Mohr with his badge.

KFD’s 26^th Recruit Class is the second class to be certified under the Pro-Board Certification and the National Registered Emergency Medical Technical Program (NREMT), which is the new standard for the department’s recruit training program.

“Congratulations to all of you as you join the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the County of Kaua‘i ‘ohana, and we thank you for your passion to serve our community,” Carvalho said.