Seventeen recruits who graduated from the 42nd Firefighter Recruit were honored during a ceremony Friday. The graduates include Aric Acorda, Chad Adolpho, Jordan Baker, Ellis Bloyer, Nainoa Bright, Edward Cabo, Casey Dombrigues, Ka’aimokuokalani Dukelow, Kuikamokuokalani Han, Kahiau Kaniho, Kainoa Lopes, Coral Mariano, Art Obrero, Kala’iku Pokini, Kianna Ponce, Micah Quinto and Kamaehuakekoa Ward.

On Friday, the Department of Fire & Public Safety and the State Department of Transportation celebrated the graduation of the 42nd Firefighter Recruit Class.

The 17 firefighter recruits graduated from the Maui Fire Department’s 27-week training program. The program is designed to educate, train and evaluate fire recruits on the many skills and disciplines necessary to serve as a firefighter.

The 42nd Recruit Class was comprised of Aric Acorda, Chad Adolpho, Jordan Baker, Ellis Bloyer, Nainoa Bright, Edward Cabo, Casey Dombrigues, Ka’aimokuokalani Dukelow, Kuikamokuokalani Han, Kahiau Kaniho, Kainoa Lopes, Coral Mariano, Art Obrero, Kala’iku Pokini, Kianna Ponce, Micah Quinto and Kamaehuakekoa Ward.

Altogether, 13 new firefighters will be joining the Maui Fire Department and will be assigned to fire stations on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Four newly sworn-in firefighters will join the state Department of Transportation Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting personnel and will be assigned to airports throughout the state.

Recruits received their badges and took their oath in a long-awaited ceremony.

Each recruit selected a special family member to carry out the traditional pinning of the badge. The ceremony was attended by fire chiefs from both Maui County and State Airports, as well as dignitaries representing Maui County and the State of Hawaii.

Graduating recruits were presented with awards recognizing those who finished at the top of their class in specific categories.

Edward “Rocky” Cabo won the Academics Award for demonstrating exceptional dedication, mastery of coursework and consistent excellence in academic performance.

Kamaehuakekoa Ward won the Functional Skills Award for excelling in practical application, demonstrating superior technical ability, competence and readiness in hands-on skill development.

Kuikamokuokalani Han won the Firefighter Spirit, Ho’ulu Award, which is named in honor of the late Fire Capt. Charles Iwata and honors the passion and spirit for which he was known, including high moral character, exceptional attitude and respect toward others and the firefighting profession.

Kahiau Kaniho was named the Most Outstanding Overall Recruit. Selected by recruit training officers, the award honors the recruit who best represents the highest standards of training, combining academics, skills, leadership, professionalism and character.

The Outstanding Team Award went to Jordan Baker and Kala’iku Pokini, who exemplified teamwork, cooperation and commitment to building unity and success within the class.