Kaua‘i Fire Department holds promotion and graduation ceremony for
34th Recruit Class
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a special ceremony Friday, welcoming five new firefighters and promoting two at the Līhu‘e Civic Center’s Mo‘ikeha courtyard.
Xavier Ikaika Fuerte, Christopher Inman, Keaka Canute, Kevin Chan, and Makana Weiss comprise KFD’s 34th Recruit Class.
This year’s class included two recruits from the Līhu‘e Airport Rescue and Firefighting Unit (ARFF) and three from the Kaua‘i Fire Department.
Two members of the Kaua‘i Fire Department were also promoted at this ceremony. Firefighter I Makana Denton was promoted to Firefighter III within the Prevention Bureau. Firefighter III Jeremy Albano was promoted to Fire Captain.
“I want to recognize the families, friends, and loved ones who made sacrifices so our recruits and promotees could be here today,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “You’ve stood beside them during the long nights and the tough days, and because of your support, our community now has five more brave firefighters ready to serve our community.”
Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson also offered gratitude to the families and encouragement to the new firefighters.
“We especially want to thank the families and friends, as you have also been present through these past several months, providing patience, support, and encouragement,” said Chief Gibson. “To our newest firefighters, always respect those who came before you, accept their guidance, and continue to push yourself in your growth as both professionals and people. Your journey of learning and development never ends.”
The ceremony featured the traditional pinning of badges by family members in front of an audience of loved ones and colleagues.
Xavier Ikaika Fuerte, a Līhu‘e Airport Rescue recruit, is from Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i. Prior to joining KFD, he worked as a postman in Kapa‘a and also played professional soccer on the mainland. He expressed gratitude to his wife Hartley and son Knox for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey, as well as to his parents Todd and Denise Fuerte for always believing in him. Pinning Ikaika was his wife, Hartley.
Christopher Inman, also a Līhu‘e Airport Rescue recruit, resides in Kalāheo with his family and is the owner of Topher’s Go-Fors. He thanked his wife Shianne for her sacrifices, his in-laws for their support, KFD and ARFF for their training, and Jesus Christ for everything. Pinning Christopher were his wife, Shianne, and son, Red.
KFD recruit Keaka Canute was born and raised in Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i, and was previously employed with PMRF in contracted financing. He thanked his wife Kailani, his parents, extended family and friends, and his brothers in training for their constant encouragement. He also shared his appreciation for the KFD Training Bureau and all instructors for their guidance and support. Pinning Keaka were his wife, Kailani, and his children, Scarlett and Jackson.
Kevin Chan, a KFD recruit, grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Before joining KFD, he served as a firefighter paramedic with San Diego Fire Rescue, with a total of nine years in fire service and 13 years as a paramedic. He thanked his wife, family, mentors, and everyone who has guided and supported him, as well as KFD for the opportunity to serve the Kaua‘i community. Pinning Kevin was his wife, Lauren.
KFD recruit Makana Weiss was born and raised in Anahola, Kaua‘i. After graduating from Kapa‘a High School, he joined the Ocean Safety Bureau in Kaua‘i’s northern district before later working as a professional photographer. Makana said he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to once again serve the residents and visitors of Kaua‘i. He extended thanks to the Kaua‘i Fire Department, his trainers, and his family and friends for their support throughout the process. Pinning Makana were his father, Jeff Weiss, and daughter, Nevaeh.
Fire Fighter III Makana Denton was born and raised on Kaua‘i, growing up in the ‘Ōma‘o and Kōloa areas. He joined the Kaua‘i Fire Department in 2018 and has since served at the Hanapēpē, Waimea, and Kōloa fire stations, with seven years of service. Makana is currently part of the Prevention Bureau at Fire Headquarters, where he works closely with the EMS and Ropes Rescue cadres. He expressed gratitude to his family for their continued support throughout his career, as well as to his past and present crew members for the motivation, lessons, and friendships gained along the way. Pinning Makana was his wife, Shaunessy.
Fire Captain Jeremy Albano was raised in Kīlauea and now resides in ‘Ele‘ele. With 15 years of service to the Kaua‘i Fire Department, he began his career alongside the members of Recruit Class 22. Jeremy shared his gratitude to Captains Ballard and Cole, as well as the hardworking firefighters of Station 5 in Kalāheo, and extended a special thanks to Fire Fighter 3 Makana Denton for his new uniform. Pinning Captain Albano was his son, Silas.
From left to right: Keaka Canute, Makana Weiss, Kevin Chan, Christopher Inman, Xavier Ikaika Fuerte, Jeremy Albano, and Makana Denton.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami addresses the crowd with congratulatory remarks at the ceremony.
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