The death of a 25-year-old Honolulu firefighter who responded to a building fire in the McCully area Monday night has the first responder community reeling.
The firefighter has been identified as Jeffrey Fiala. He had been with the Honolulu Fire Department for a year and a half.
"This tragedy is truly heartbreaking for all of us. You know, as firefighters, we know the risks of our job, but, you know, we continue to run towards danger knowing that we are helping people in need," HFD Chief Sheldon Hao said at a press conference Tuesday.
"We all train to be our very best, you know, with the goal of ultimately everyone getting home safely at the end of the day, and, you know, as you can imagine, that's what makes this very difficult for our HFD ʻohana," he continued.
Hao said Fiala was a courageous firefighter who served the community with honor.
Four other firefighters and one civilian were injured in the fire and transported to Honolulu area hospitals. The firefighters have since been discharged from the Queen's Medical Center.
"To lose a firefighter, who was tragically killed in response to a fire, is a very sober moment for us, in fact, the last several weeks going back to the plane crash, and then certainly New Year's Eve and tonight, we're off to a tough start of this year," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Monday.
Gov. Josh Green said in a statement, “I am deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of one of our brave firefighters in the line of duty. This hero selflessly put their life on the line to protect others, embodying the very best of who we are as a community. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and fellow firefighters who were injured during this profoundly difficult time.”
Hao said that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will begin an investigation into the fire and HFD's response.
