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County of Kaua'i, State of Hawaii

*DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, *MAYOR
**REIKO MATSUYAMA**, MANAGING DIRECTOR






*News Release*

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2025






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RISE Logo (transparent background)

COUNTY OF KAUA‘I

KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT

MICHAEL GIBSON - CHIEF

(808) 241-4980



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*Kaua‘i Fire Department holds a graduation and promotion ceremony Thursday*

*LĪHU‘E* – The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a special ceremony on Thursday, welcoming four new firefighters and two promotions at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha Courtyard. Barak Aviguetero, Brendan Young, Jason Luke, and Kaiea Pa comprised the 33rd recruit class, while Braden Iwami was promoted to Firefighter II, and Eric Pereza was elevated to Ocean Safety Bureau Officer II.

This year’s class included two recruits from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and two from the Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services.

“To all the graduates and those receiving their promotions, I want to congratulate you,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “I want to take the time to thank all the family members, and everybody left behind at home when we send our bravest out into the field to protect this community that we love.”

KFD Fire Chief Michael Gibson followed Mayor Kawakami.

“I am incredibly honored today to celebrate the milestones of our graduating class and promotions,” said Chief Gibson. “The joint training partnership between KFD, PMRF, and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting has been very beneficial and provides enhanced training to all our island’s firefighters.”

The ceremony continued with the ceremonial pinning of badges in front of an audience of family and friends.

*PMRF Barak Aviguetero* Barak Aviguetero was born and raised on the west side of Kaua‘i and graduated from Waimea High School. He would like to thank his family and girlfriend for their love and support throughout the academy. Barak extends a special thank you to PMRF, the Kaua‘i Fire Department Training Bureau, and personnel for providing the knowledge and skills that have laid the foundation for his new career. Pinning Barak will be his dad, Elvis Aviguetero.

*PMRF Brendan Young* Brendan Young was born and raised in Līhu‘e and graduated from Kaua‘i High School. He would like to acknowledge his wife, Cassandra, for her love and support during recruit academy, and his ‘ohana for helping him with everything else and making all of this possible. Brendan extends a special thank you to all the Kaua‘i Fire Department and Pacific Missile Range Facility trainers. Pinning Brendan will be his wife, Cassandra.

*KFD Jason Luke* Jason Luke was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from Damien High School. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him throughout this process. Jason extends a special thank you to the training officers and numerous Kaua‘i Fire Department cadres for sharing their knowledge and skills with him. Pinning Jason will be his wife, Wendy Uyesono.

*KFD Kaiea Pa* Kaiea Pa was born and raised in Kīlauea and graduated from Kamehameha Schools. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through this academy. Kaiea extends a special thank you to the Training Bureau, instructors, and the rest of the Kaua‘i Fire Department. Pinning Kaiea will be his dad, Captain Chauncy Pa.

*Braden Iwami: Firefighter II Rescue* Firefighter II Rescue Specialist Braden Iwami was born and raised in Honolulu and is a Saint Louis High School graduate. He served 10 years in the Kaua‘i Fire Department and is an active Fire Ground Survival and Ropes Cadre member. Braden would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and he would like to give special thanks to his wife, Stefani, and son, Maverick. He also extends his gratitude to all the fellow firefighters and officers he has served with, acknowledging their contributions to his journey. Braden's wife, Stefani, and son, Maverick, will be pinning him today.

*Eric Pereza: Ocean Safety Officer III* Ocean Safety Officer III Eric Pereza resides in Puhi and has served in the Ocean Safety Bureau for 17 years. He started in the North District and then moved to the East District, where he spent most of his career. Eric has had the opportunity to work as a rescue craft operator with the South/West District Roving Patrol Unit, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience. Eric has been involved in several community outreach programs, including serving as an instructor for the Junior Lifeguard Program and the Na Kama Kai Ocean Awareness Clinic. Eric would like to thank his wife, Kristina, their children, and the rest of his ‘ohana for their love and support. He would also like to extend his gratitude to his OSB Chief, Captains, and Lieutenants for their continued guidance throughout his career, as well as to all KFD and OSB personnel for their aloha. Eric is presented with a lei, and his wife, Kristina, is present.

33rd recruit class with fire admin and Mayor Kawakami.

From left to right: Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, PMRF Firefighter Barak Aviguetero, Firefighter III Russell Fujimoto, PMRF Firefighter Brendan Young, Firefighter III Ryan Nagaoka, Firefighter I Brendan Young, Capt. Micah Mokuahi, Firefighter I Kaiea Pa, Firefighter II Braden Iwami, KFD Deputy Chief Roger Mills, Batallion Chief Ehren Edwards, OSB Officer II Eric Pereza, PMRF Fire Chief Oric Kuapahi, KFD Chief Michael Gibson, Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo, Battalion Chief Bryan Doo, and Battalion Chief Reid Tanita.

Mayor Kawakami addressing a crowd at the Rotunda.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami addresses a crowd at a Kaua‘i Fire Department recruit and promotion ceremony at the Līhu‘e Civic Center on Jan. 23, 2025.

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*Media Contact:
*

If you are a member of the media with an inquiry for the County of Kaua‘i, its departments or representatives, please email the County of Kaua‘i's Communications Team at CountyPIO@kauai.gov to ensure a timely response to your request. Mahalo!








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