NR 07-21-26 (Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo honored at Fire Commission for 27 years of service)

LĪHUʻE — At Tuesday’s Fire Commission meeting, the Kauaʻi Fire Department honored Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo for 27 years of dedicated service to the island as he concludes his career and enters retirement.

“Today is one of those rare occasions where we have the privilege of recognizing someone whose impact is measured by much more than rank or years of service,” said Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “When people think of Jayson, they think of someone who is genuinely kind, humble, and treats everyone with respect; someone whose smile and positive attitude have a way of making everyone around him feel a little better.”

In recognition of his service, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami proclaimed the day Jayson Pablo Day in the County of Kauaʻi. Mayor Kawakami was represented by Executive Assistant to the Mayor Todd Ozaki.

Pablo began his career as a firefighter and rose through the ranks to Captain, Battalion Chief, and Administrative Battalion Chief. With every promotion came greater responsibility, but colleagues say his character never changed: kind, humble, and steady.

Over his career, Pablo helped shape the future of the department. He was instrumental in establishing and leading KFD’s first Wildfire working group, bringing together personnel from across the department and partner agencies to strengthen wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and community resilience. This work laid the foundation for many of the wildfire initiatives the department continues to build on today.

Pablo was also a passionate supporter of community outreach, recognizing that the department’s mission extends beyond emergency response to educating, preparing, and serving the people of Kauaʻi before emergencies occur. When Kauaʻi hosted the Hawaiʻi Fire Chiefs Association Conference in 2023, Pablo played a critical role in planning and coordinating the event.

“I thank the Lord for such a blessed life and a blessed career, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped me along the way,” said Pablo. “Most of all, thank you to the island of Kauaʻi for letting me serve these past 27 years. I’ve received so much from this department; the privileges, the opportunities, and the friendships that will last a lifetime.”