#Our County, Our Kuleana Fire Department

FOR THE 2023 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR FROM THE HAWAIʻI FIRE DEPARTMENT

2023 Manager of the Year Nominee

CHRIS HONDA
Battalion Chief (EMS)

Chris shares his 30+ years of experience in a level unparalleled among EMS leadership. Chris worked at the Operations level as a paramedic on the ambulance for all four Hawai’i Counties. He was instrumental coordinating with government healthcare agencies combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Chris is the epitome of a servant leader who has had a lasting positive impact on the community he serves.

2023 Supervisor of the Year Nominee

MATTHEW HO
Fire Captain (Hazmat)

Matt served as a primary safety officer on the largest events in HFD history including the 2018 Leilani eruption and the Mana Road fire. He is one of the most knowledgeable Hazmat captains and helps new specialists get a real understanding of Hazmat. Matt’s ability to share his wealth of knowledge has led to safer operations and a more efficient response to the community’s emergencies.

2023 Employee of the Year Nominee

JEREMY TEKURIO
Fire/EMS Medical Specialist II

FMS Tekurio has been serving full time with the Hawaii Fire Department for 15 years, 11 has been as a Paramedic on the busiest ambulance. His dedication to his colleagues and the community he serves, far exceeds the performance criteria set before him. Jeremy has taken on as much as anyone could ask, dedicating his life to the Fire Department, his co-workers, and the public he serves.

The County is excited to share the anticipated completion of a new joint dispatch center merging Police Dispatch and Fire Communications Control Center operations, promising improved coordination and communication between emergency personnel. This will help ensure that police officers and firefighters can communicate more effectively and efficiently during emergencies, leading to quicker response times and better outcomes for individuals in distress.

Over the last few years, the county has worked to replace nearly all of the ambulances in our fleet, added lifeguards to popular beaches like Kohanaiki, and partnered with the Sayer Foundation to replace Chopper 2, which had been in service for over 30 years.