On January 7, 2025, Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao delivered the following statement regarding the line of duty death of a 25-year-old fire fighter.

“With deep sadness, we announce the death of Fire Fighter Jeffrey Fiala. Jeff was a dedicated member of the Honolulu Fire Department for about year and a half. He was a courageous fire fighter who served our community with honor.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Fiona, and his parents, Michael and Kristine, family, friends, and colleagues during this very difficult time. We ask for your continued compassion and aloha as we all grieve this devastating loss.

This tragedy is heartbreaking. Our firefighters know the inherent risks but they still run toward danger to protect and help those in need. We train and work hard to be the very best because the goal, at the end of the day, has always been to make sure everyone gets home safely.

We are so thankful to share that the four fire fighters, injured last night, are scheduled to be discharged from the Queen’s Medical Center today. They will recover at their home with loving care and support from their respective families and from the Department.

I want to thank the community; our partners HPD and EMS; Mayor Blangiardi and his staff; Kahu Kordell Kekoa; and the staff at both Queen’s and Straub Hospitals for the outpouring of love and support. The HFD will continue to help and support Jeff’s ʻohana and our work ʻohana as we honor Jeff’s memory and the sacrifice he made for our community.”