The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) announced the promotions of 49 uniformed and civilian employees who were celebrated during a ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.

Special guests included Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a member of the Honolulu Fire Commission, and families and friends of the 47 uniformed and 2 civilian employees.

“Promotions are more than personal achievements, they are opportunities to strengthen our entire Department,” said Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao. “These individuals have shown exceptional commitment, integrity, and professionalism. On behalf of the Honolulu Fire Department, I congratulate them and express my gratitude for their continued service to our community.”

The civilian employees recognized today work in the HFD’s Personnel section and the Mechanic Shop. The Personnel Clerk I position coordinates a range of critical human resource functions within the HFD’s Administrative Services Bureau. The Fire Equipment Mechanic repairs, tests, and maintains specialized fire apparatuses and emergency equipment.

The ten newly promoted Fire Fighter (FF) IIs will play an integral role in the fire service. They are now specialized as Hazardous Materials (HM) Technicians, tiller operators, or Battalion Chief aides.

The 20 newly promoted FF IIIs are now responsible for the safe driving, operation, and maintenance of a fire apparatus. They will oversee the safety of a crew and the public as they drive to alarms, manage the pumps that supply water, or operate an aerial ladder or rescue equipment. They hold a key leadership role and may assume the Company Commander role when he/she is not available.

The 17 newly promoted Fire Captains are now frontline supervisors who manage a fire company that responds to emergencies or assigned to a bureau to manage training and fire prevention programs or fire dispatch activities. They will establish and maintain discipline and efficiency while directing the activities of FFs. They must also be proficient in the use of fire fighting equipment, fire fighting techniques, and building construction and skilled in emergency medical services, HM operations, fire prevention, fire education, writing, public speaking, and public relations.

The HFD’s mission is to provide for the safety of our communities through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response. Currently, the HFD has 1,191 employees who serve the City and County of Honolulu at 44 fire stations and 6 support locations.