KFD celebrates promotions

LIHU‘E — Six Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel were honored during a brief pinning-on ceremony Friday, hosted by Kaua‘i Fire Chief Robert Westerman and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. in the rotunda of the Mo‘ikeha Building.

“Each of these newly promoted men are dedicated to serving the department and the entire Kaua‘i community,” Westerman says in a county release. “They continuously strive for more of themselves, and in doing so, they motivate others to do the same. We are truly grateful for their service.”

The promotions included two men, Michael “Imai” Karratti and James Pelegrino,” to Firefighter II grade; three men, Ronald Bush, Corey Sakai and Kilipaki Vaughn, to Firefigher III; and Jason Ornellas to Battalion Fire Chief.

“We are so proud of these men for the hard work they have, and will continue to do for our community,” Carvalho said. “Thank you for your service and commitment, and a special mahalo to your ‘ohana who support you in your dedication to making Kaua‘i a safer place for all of us.”

During the pinning-on ceremony, the promoted fire department personnel receive their new badges of office from family members or friends who were in attendance to witness the promotions.

Ornellas, receiving his badge from wife Maryann, replaces Battalion Chief Russell Yee who retired at the end of 2012 following 22 years of service to the Kaua‘i Fire Department, seven as the Battalion Chief.

Ornellas started his career in 1988, working at all fire stations from Hanalei to Waimea, in addition to the Rescue and HAZMAT, or Hazardous Materials, teams.

A graduate of Kapa‘a High School, Ornellas served in the United States Air Force prior to joining KFD. He said he would like to acknowledge his wife and family as well as all of his past and current crew members, each of whom has played an integral role in his career and personal development.

Ornellas resides in ‘Ele‘ele with his wife Maryann. His son, Jarrick, is currently stationed in England while serving in the Air Force. Ornellas looks forward to the new challenges he faces as Battalion Chief and is eager to continue serving the department and the people of Kaua‘i.

Karratti is a graduate of Waimea High School and played men’s volleyball with the University of Hawai‘i for two years before returning home in 2005.

He is grateful to his wife, Jessica, for her commitment to their family and two children — especially when he needs to work extended hours.

Karratti has spend the past two years with the Lihu‘e fire station and has gained invaluable training and friends, thanking all of his crew members, past and present. He looks forward to continuing to do his very best job for the department and community.

Pelegrino was presented his badge by fiance, Margie Okano.

Originally from California, he started his career as an Ocean Safety Officer for the City of Long Beach before becoming a firefighter in Lynwood, Calif.

Arriving on Kaua‘i in 1989, Pelegrino was a firefigher with the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana for six years prior to joining the Kaua‘i Fire Department. Residing in Kalaheo, Pelegrino has been stationed in Koloa for the past 12 years. He enjoys surfing and all water activities during his time off.

Bush, also hailing from California, moved to Kaua‘i following his graduation from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Joining the ranks of Kaua‘i Fire Department in 1999, Bush has worked at the Hanalei, Kapa‘a, Kaiakea and Kalaheo stations.

In addition to teaching CPR, coaching and being a substitute teacher, Bush enjoys being a husband and father and spending time with his wife Janice and their three children.

Sakai has been with the KFD for 13 years and has had the privilege of working at all of the fire stations across the island. He has worked under seven fire captains, including his Lihu‘e captain, Clinton Fujii, who Sakai has served for the past 10 years.

He is grateful to his wife Chelsie, his family, friends and co-workers for their continued support throughout his career.

Vaughn, a graduate of ‘Iolani School and the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, resides in Kilauea with his wife Mehana and their three children.

In addition to spending time with his family, Vaughn enjoys surfing, music and playing the steel guitar. He is grateful to his past captains and sends a special mahalo to his Rescue 3 crew under Capt. Kawamura’s leadership for the amazing experiences and lessons learned while serving with them.

• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.