Young Cadets from Kīpuka Hilo Train to Become Firefighters 2024-09-25 Young Cadets from Kīpuka Hilo Train to Become Firefighters Every day at 7:15 a.m. sharp, a dozen young men gathered in an industrial neighborhood in Hilo, ready to make a difference. They collected trash, emptied garbage bins, and cleaned up the area — all before greeting teammates arriving for work at Liliʻuokalani Trust’s Kīpuka Hilo. These hard-working cadets were members of the Hoʻomau Fire Academy, a training program for youth ages 16-24 pursuing careers with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Liliʻuokalani Trust partnered with the Fire Academy to coach the cadets in mock job interviews, resume-building, and public speaking.In addition, the cadets underwent rigorous preparation for the fireman physical test and earned certification in CPR/AED, while honing their skills as emergency medical technicians.These intense drills and lessons were led by a trio of professionals from Hawaiʻi Island. They were Capt. Dennis Nardo of the Pōhakuloa Fire Department, and two retired fire captains Reid Shimabukuro and Sheldon Sunada.Under their guidance, the cadets proudly graduated as Cohort 10.“We enjoy working with Hoʻomau Fire Academy because of a shared passion to create a safer community for future generations,” says Kāwika Urakami, Youth Development Lead for Kīpuka Hilo.Becoming a firefighter demands more than just physical prowess. Throughout their training, the cadets strengthened their understanding of three essential Hawaiian values:Aloha – compassion and respect for the people they serveOnipaʻa – steadfastness and bravery in the face of challengesMaluhia – mindfulness and stillness to guide decisions and heighten awareness of one’s surroundingsOne cadet, Scott, shared his appreciation for the program, which taught him not only emergency life-saving skills but Hawaiian values, as well. “This experience provided me with an amazing opportunity,” Scott said. “I originally wanted to become a police officer, and now, I am thinking about how my life will be, with being a firefighter.” ***************************************************************************************MORE STORIES ABOUT HAWAIʻI ISLANDResidential Camps are in Full Gallop at LT RanchSummer with the Smithsonian: ʻOpio from Kīpuka Hilo Learn the Art of FilmmakingLT's Natural Resources Team Works to Restore Native Plant Species Under Threat of ExtinctionLiliʻuokalani Trust Reaches Milestones in the 2024 Merrie MonarchLT Ranch Introduces Kamaliʻi to Equine-Assisted Therapy