Airports

First Graduates of Blue Card Command Training Program

By: James McGuire

The State of Hawai’i, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit recently certified eight (8) fire suppression supervisors in the “All Hazard Zone Command Program” from Oct 4 – 19, 2020 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (DKI) Fire Station 1.

Developed by Fire Chief Allan Brunacini of the Phoenix Fire Department, the Blue Card Command (BCC) training program is designed to instruct, train, evaluate and certify fire department officers who serve in the role of Incident Commanders (IC’s).

(L-R): Lt. Dean Okamura, Lt. Larry Duclayan, Asst. Chief Ronnie Arevalo, and Asst. Chief Christopher Fortuno

IC’s supervise and manage emergency and hazard zone operations for every day National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 4 & 5 events.

Members selected must pass and complete the following: 1. Pass the entire 40-50-hr on-line training program with a 70% grade or higher on the cognitive and knowledge-based classroom. Eligible students will be allowed to attend a 3-day BCC simulation evaluation lab.

2. The BCC simulation lab will evaluate each student in the role of the initial arriving Incident Commander and second arriving Incident Commander. Students will fill both IC positions and be evaluated for each of the programs 5 basic building types: Residential, multi-unit residentials, strip malls, commercial buildings, big box structures and a specialized aircraft module.

(L-R): AFEO Wade Kamisugi, Fire Chief John Kennedy, Captain Ken Kidani & Lt. Kaipo Onekea 3. After successfully passing the evaluation lab and obtaining their local Type 4 & 5 Incident Commander certification the student will be required to attend 12-hrs of Strategic

Airports

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& Tactical Command, Continuing Education (CE’s) per year to be valid for 3-yrs. At the end of the 3-yr certification period, the students will need 36-hrs of Blue Card Command CE’s and successfully pass Incident Command evaluations to recertify and maintain Blue Card Command IC Certification.

The Blue Card Command program will greatly enhance the Airports Division’s Emergency Response Plan, inter-agency communications, All-Hazard Zone management and responder safety. BCC is compliant with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System. Introduced to our Islands by the Maui County Fire Depart-ment, the Honolulu Fire Department, Kauai Fire Department and now the Airports Division utilizes the BCC System to train fire suppression supervisors in the art of managing and mitigating NIMS Type 4 & 5 incidents.

The Blue Card Command System is endorsed by the International Fire Chief’s Association, Great Lakes Division, International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health & Survival Section, and the Texas Fire Chief’s Association.

Airports

In Loving Memory of Denise Texeira

By: Marvin Moniz

Last month on November 23rd, Purple Day, airport employees donned the color purple in remembrance of Denise Texeira. Denise committed 26 years to the state forming long lasting friendships with coworkers, taking responsibility and providing oversight for many crucial tasks, and showing others that with a positive attitude and tireless work ethic anything can be achieved.

Denise started her career at the HDOT Airports Division on September 16th, 1994 as a Clerk Typist covering all property management issues along with state property inventory. She then got promoted to office assistant in the maintenance section covering Maui, Moloka‘i, Kalaupapa, Lana’i, Hana and Kapalua. Her great, positive, can-do attitude got her promoted to the Human Resources Department where she was able to help expedite the filling of vacancies at the six Maui Airports. With the opening of the Business Services Supervisor (BSS) position she was determined to push herself even more. Through her hard work and commitment to excellence she was able to qualify and attain the position. She then found herself responsible for working with management on budgets, day to day operations in and out of the office, and keeping an eye on all the office functions. challenges for the Airports Division. Denise helped Airports overcome this adversity by using her unique talents to coordinate with many departments and organizations to build and implement COVID-19 procedures. These procedures have been implemented at the Kahului Airport and throughout the other Maui District Airports as well.

Denise’s passing has not only affected the Airports Division, but the community as well. Denise also worked at the Maui Raceway Park and was the vendor chairperson for the Kamehameha Schools Ho’olaulea for many years. When not at work, she enjoyed relaxing with family and friends. Denise was a go getter and worked hard to provide for her family. She was the glue that held things together. Denise will be greatly missed and will always be in our memories!

Airports

Kahului ARFF Raises Funds to Help Cancer Foundation

By: Brian Kamimoto

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Assistant Fire Engine Operator Brad Irimata and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) stations across the Maui District, help to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease by fundraising tee shirts all year round. Brad’s original design, big-heartedness, and the salesmanship of Kahului ARFF Station resulted in a $2,877 donation to the Pacific Cancer Foundation. Nancy La Joy, its Executive Director, commented, “The Pacific Cancer Foundation is so grateful for the continuous support from Airport Fire each year during the GO PINK Campaign. This year, we would not have had a campaign without your excitement and encouragement. Airport Fire got the ball rolling and we can’t thank you enough. COVID doesn’t stop cancer and this year our Maui Ohana needs the support more than ever! Your contributions are having a direct impact on people with cancer in Maui County. When our nonprofit partners with a local community agency our entire cancer Ohana benefits. Mahalo Airport Fire for all you support! PS: The shirt’s design was really cool and sold like hot cakes.”

The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s mission is built upon the concept that together, our ‘Ohana is Stronger than Cancer. We believe that it is Pacific Cancer Foundation, Executive Director, Nancy La Joy, is presented a check through for $2,877 from members of Red shift. one-on one support for our patients that they are able to face the challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. This is especially true in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pacific Cancer Foundation provides free support services to Maui’s cancer community. All donations help bring in much-needed funds for the foundation’s programs and outreach. The Pacific Cancer Foundation is unique in that 100% of donations stay in Maui County. All monies raised go directly to programs to improve the quality of life of Maui County cancer patients, survivors and their families. ARFF’s community based projects are not confined to October. ARFF personnel also provide free year round CPR, AED and Stop the Bleed certification to the community. Next time around, join Brad and his fellow firefighters by purchasing a tee shirt.