Firefighter cadets put life-saving skills to the test

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Firefighter cadets were put to the test Wednesday to hone their skills in a variety of real-life scenarios.
In less than seven minutes, Hoomau Fire Academy cadets completed a series of obstacles, including carrying a hose up six flights of stairs and a 180-pound dummy around a course, all while wearing heavy-duty fire gear.
Passing this agility test was necessary to advance in the recruitment process.
”This is an exciting time for the academy,” said HFA president Reid Shimabukuro. “This is when we get to see our cadets on the verge of getting hired, and that’s the ultimate goal for the academy, is to see a cadet get hired.”
HFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training the next generation of firefighters and public service leaders, especially here in Hawaii.
Cadet Toshio Toguchi said, “It’s the best job in the world. Being able to help people on a daily basis, that’s awesome. There’s also the academic portion of it. It’s not just sitting around in the firehouse. It’s also obtaining more certifications, learning more, being better. There’s a lot of education that goes along with it.”
Shimabukuro said, “They all have one thing in common. They have a willingness to contribute to their community. They have pride in their community. They truly believe that they want to be an asset in their community.”
The academy is accepting applications. Classes begin in 2025 on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.