2020-10-14 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 14, 2020 Page 4 ✓ Special Operations ➢ Hazmat: They were able to do Hazmat ID updates in-service training at Kaumana with an instructor who came in from Kauai with an exemption. The Hazmat technician training was pushed back again because of quarantine requirements. They are working with Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut to do their confined space training. AC Okinaka is working on the baseline bloodwork and annual medical monitoring for all hazmat personnel. ➢ Ocean Safety: They replaced the Hapuna tower with a new double tower, and the old tower was relocated to Spencer beach. ➢ Rescue: The USCG biennial SAREX training is planned for 2022 due to Covid. Support Services Division: Chief introduced newly promoted Assistant Chief of Support Services, Ian Smith, who has been a long-time Battalion Chief of Operations. AC Smith stated that he spent 16 years in operations, got his paramedic license in 2007, was promoted to fire equipment operator, and then promoted to captain in Pahoa Village during the lava flow. He also worked in Kohala, Pahala, and Central. He worked as Operations Battalion Chief in both east and west sides of the island. He has also been the behind the scenes person on a number of successful grant teams in extracting data and applying it to grants. He further stated that he is excited to be here and a part of the new team. He is looking to the challenge and keeping the team moving in the direction that Chief Rosario started. ✓ Training: Chief Rosario reported that firefighter recruits are working on completing their driver's training. They are waiting for the new fire fighter recruit list. ✓ Volunteer Training: Chief Rosario introduced Volunteer Commander John Bertsch who works out of the Kalaoa Station. Everything that deals with the volunteers go through Commander Bertsch. Commander Bertsch reported that the purpose of his visit is primarily to say mahalo to Chief Rosario. Right after Chief Rosario was hired in 2011, Chief Rosario hit the ground running. He allocated resources that were necessary to up their fire trucks. They are like the stepbrother of the department. When the frontline engine company gets brand new pieces of equipment, oftentimes the recycled equipment ends up in a volunteer company. Chief Rosario has had to navigate a lava flow that made international news. They probably had the largest wildland fires in the county under the Chief's tenure. The Chief gave his notice of retirement, and then rescinded his retirement in the face of a global pandemic. That speaks to his leadership qualities, his commitment to the community, and his commitment to all of them. On behalf of the 145 volunteers, he expressed his gratitude to the Chief and all he's done for the Volunteer Program.