LIHU‘E — A dozen Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters were honored for their collective efforts, which led to the rescue of 26 people and two pets during an April rain event that wreaked havoc across the island.
Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) Deputy Chief Roger Mills and the Kaua‘i Fire Commission recognized the 12 firefighters from the Kapa‘a Fire Station, Koloa Fire Station and Rescue 3 at a fire commission meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
“These firefighters that we are recognizing today were able to quickly adapt to the hazardous conditions, utilize their training, knowledge, and experiences to formulate a solid game plan and execute it safely,” said Mills, who was representing KFD Chief Michael Gibson at the Fire Commission meeting.
“They performed bravely, and I want to sincerely thank them for attending today — as these men do not do this for recognition, they are dedicated to serving, and they do it exceptionally well.”
Personnel with Rescue 3, the Koloa and Kapa‘a stations rescued the 26 individuals and two dogs in the Koloa, Wailua and Kapa‘a areas during the flood event in the overnight hours from April 11 to April 12.
Firefighter III Marc Beeby of the Kapa‘a fire station was among the first responders answering the 911 calls of distress.
“It does feel very good to be recognized, but we’re just doing our jobs,” Beeby said. “On behalf of all the firefighters being honored, we thank you for your support.”
According to reports, Kapa‘a Engine 2 and Truck 2 responded to Koki Road where the crews encountered a flooded roadway about 4 feet deep. They utilized a rescue board to safely transport a family of 10, including seven children.
A call from Apana Road in Wailua involved rescuing a family of seven people trapped by rising floodwaters.
In Koloa, Ladder 4 and Truck 4 responded at Waihohonou Road where they relocated two elderly occupants from their increasingly flooded home.
At Aloha Place, Rescue 3 found several homes surrounded by 2- to 4-feet of water. The crew used a rescue board and a kayak to rescue seven people and two dogs, ensuring their safety by moving them to higher ground.
“I know all of you first responders present today will tell me you’re just doing your job, but after listening to what you all did during the April flood event, you went over and beyond your job requirements,” said Fire Commission Chair Rod Yama. “So I also thank you for what you did and congratulate you. We honor you today.”
Kahea Mauliola Continuum of Care Honorees:
Kapa‘a Fire Station: Firefighter III Marc Beeby, Firefighter III Christopher Simpson, Firefighter I Charles Dubocage and Firefighter I Paul Haraguchi.
Rescue 3: Fire Captain Francisco Garcia, Firefighter III Maui Kjeldsen, Firefighter II Byron Costa and Firefighter I Frederick Caoagas.
Koloa Fire Station: Fire Captain Aaron Hawthorne, Firefighter III Chad Tabuchi, Firefighter I Jetsen Wakuta and Firefighter I Ryan Allen.
