Kauai Sun

Kaua‘i Fire Department issued the following announcement on Dec. 4.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a socially-distanced  graduation  ceremony Friday, welcoming eight new firefighters at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha Courtyard.

Jarrick Ornellas, Rajan Baliaris-Salvi, Theron Shigematsu, Sean Kubeka, Taoaatua Pou, ChanceBukoski, Kalama Lingaton, and John Paul Bolwahnn comprise KFD’s 30thRecruit Class, which includes three firefighters who will be stationed at the Līhu‘e Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department.

“We  thank  you all for  being  here  and allowing  us  to  celebrate  under  these  strange conditions during this important day for our firefighters, their families, and our community,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Steven Goble. “To our recruits, thank you for choosing this profession and being willing to take this step to serve our community. When you become a firefighter, you’re a firefighter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. That’s what this community expects of you, whether you are wearing your uniform or not. We’re asking you to sacrifice,and to be there for us all. It’s not something we take lightly, and so we are grateful that you have chosen this path.”

Friday’s ceremony began with an Honor Guard detail and a transfer of command. Assistant Chief Solomon Kanoho led attendees in the Kaua‘i firefighters prayer, then called upon Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami to address the crowd.

“Becoming a firefighter is a daily choice that shows not just your bravery and strength, but more importantly, your sacrifice and selfless care for others,” said Mayor Kawakami. “It is my honor to congratulate you all on making it through these past months of grueling training. But the hard work has only begun, and on behalf of our county and community, I extend our appreciation and gratitude for making this commitment to public service.”

Līhu‘e Airport Fire Chief Kendall Lemnalso shared his remarks with the crowd on Friday. The ceremony continued with the ceremonial pinning of badges followed by the recruits taking the firefighters oath in front of an audience of family members.

Jarrick Ornellas, was born and raised on Kaua‘i.He thanked his parents for being good role models, his girlfriendLauren, those he has looked up to his whole life, and all of theinstructors for pushing to make him better than he was the day before. He also thankedhis classmates who were there every step of the way.

Rajan Baliaris-Salvi was born and raised on Kaua‘i. He thanked his fiancé Katie, his keiki and his ‘ohana for their love and support throughout this journey. Baliaris-Salvialso thanked the instructors for their knowledge and time in making him better day in and day out. He expressed his honor and humility to serve the Kaua‘i community and stand alongside his brothers of Recruit Class 30.

Theron Shigematsu is from ‘Ele‘ele, Kaua‘i,and is a proud graduate of Waimea High School. He thanked his family and friends, the Kaua‘i Fire Department and allthe instructors that dedicated their time to help them build the skills and confidence needed to become firefighters. He also thanked his recruit classmates for the past six months of training together.

Sean Kubeka is from Kīlauea, Kaua‘i, and thanked his family for their support and everyone who made this recruit class possible. Kubeka gave a special mahalo to KFD, ARFF, and his recruit classmates, and said he looks forward to serving the community now and in the years to come.

Taoaatua Pouwas born in Tahiti and raised on Molokai. Pou thanked his parents and his wife for their continued love and support. He also thanked all the instructors, especially the training officers for sharing their time, dedication, knowledge and love for the job. Pou said he plans on representing his God,‘ohana, island, and department to the best of his ability by serving and regarding others above himself.

Chance Bukoski was born and raised on Kaua‘i. He thanked his wife, parents, sister and grandparents, who have been there for him through good times and tough times. Additionally, he gave a special mahalo to all of the instructors for sharing their time, dedication, knowledge and experiences. Bukoski said he is honored to humbly serve his community as a firefighter.

Kalama Lingaton was born and raised on Kaua‘i and has four children. Over the last 13 years, he worked as an Ocean Safety Officer and a Kaua‘i Police Officer for the County of Kaua‘i,before transitioning to the Kaua‘i Fire Department. Lingaton said his work in civil service is his passion and he is grateful to continue serving his community as a firefighter.

John Paul Bolwahnn was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico,and is a 13-year Navy Veteran. He thanked the instructors for their lessons and passing on their knowledge. He also thanked his recruit brothers for the unforgettable memories, and the firefighters that guided him. Bolwahnn gave a special thank you to his wife Mary, her family, and their babies.

Original source can be found here.