HONOLULU (KHON2) – It was an emotional gathering on Saturday in Kakaako, as hundreds remembered and said their final aloha to 25-year-old Jeffrey Fiala who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
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Firefighters from across the state, and the country, paid their final respects to the young firefighter who was stationed at Kakaako since 2024.
Fiala was born Jan. 13, 1999. As a military family, he lived across the world before settling down in Hawaii which loved ones said made him feel truly at home.
He graduated from Radford High School in 2017 and continued his education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021. UH Manoa is also where he met his wife, Fiona, on move-in day freshman year. They would later get married in November 2023.
He decided to pursue a career with the Honolulu Fire Department in 2022 and took courses in the Fire and Environmental Emergency Response program at Honolulu Community College until he was accepted into the HFD’s 115th recruit class in July 2023. He graduated in March 2024 and entered the field. He was first assigned to Station 38, Waiau, until he was relocated to Station 9, Kakaako, in May 2024, which became his second home for the remainder of his service.
“He just had a short time on the job,” said Sacramento, Calif. Fire Capt. Kurt Katsuyoshi. He was in Oahu for vacation when he was told about Fiala’s funeral and said it was an honor to attend.
“Obviously it’s something we don’t want to experience or go through, but that’s the nature of the job, we have a job to do and sometimes we don’t come home,” he said.
Honolulu resident Wendy Arnett said she felt like she had to pay her respects at his service.
“I just feel it’s really important for people and the public to acknowledge these men and women put their life on the line for us,” she said while crying.
“It’s a great reminder for everybody of how courageous our first responders are,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “The very fact that they put their life on the line and you never know what’s going to happen, when its going to happen, or the consequences of that and in this particular case this is the ultimate sacrifice.”
The procession of firefighters went down Queen Street, ending at his fire house where first responders from across the island said their goodbyes. His engine held hands and prayed while many dropped off lei outside.
As firefighters stood guard by his casket, loved ones remembered the adventurer who loved the outdoors, fishing, diving and backpacking.
He leaves behind a wife, his parents, and two brothers.
“Although his heroic acts that fateful day will be what many remember him by, it’s crucial to note he was a hero just by being himself,” said his best friend Jake Franco.
“Jeff’s passing is deeply felt by his loved ones and all those who were privileged to serve alongside him,” said HFD Chief Sheldon Hao. “We mourn as one ohana, united in our grief, and love for a man who gave so much of himself.”
The fire department then did the tolling of the bells, a tradition that honors the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Fiala was then brought to the old fire truck where everyone bid him a hui hou and the loud speaker said, “The Honolulu Fire Department has Firefighter 1 Jeffrey Fiala, Engine nine, second platoon, end of watch Jan. 6, 2025. Jeffrey Fiala, you have fulfilled your calling and have given your very best. From the HFD ohana, mahalo nui loa for your pride, service, and dedication to your department and your community. A hui hou brother, rest easy, we will take it from here. Aloha ʻOe, Aloha ʻOe, Aloha ʻOe.”
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