Rotary Firefighter Humanitarian

Makali'i Andrade is West Kauai Rotary's honoree. More to come soon!

Update: What a moving and outstanding event this was.
Our District 5000 Governor Ayman charged us Presidents to "think globally and do something very significant locally".  Often this means a service project and many volunteer hours. Last night we honored six people on Kauai whose lives are dedicated to serving others. People who make a difference every day - who "live" Service Above Self.

 

 The six Humanitarians of the Year and the Presidents of the Rotary Clubs that selected them.

First up:

West Kauai Rotary Firefighter of the Year Makali'i Andrade.

Fire Chief Westerman, President Liz, Makali'i Andrade, Assistant Governor Laurie Yoshida

2009 FIRE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

MAKALII S. ANDRADE

The Rotary Club of West Kauai has selected Firefighter Makalii S. Andrade as our Humanitarian Firefighter of the Year 2009.

Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman has this to say about Firefighter Andrade:

He demonstrates a high level of competence, and serves as a mentor and admirable senior firefighter.  He is the go to senior firefighter in all situations; fires, ropes, rescue, medical, HAZMAT and especially water.  Anyone who has worked with him will attest to his knowledge, work ethic, decision making, skill and overall competence.
He is our “Makagyver”, our go to guy to fix any and all problems at the stations including small engines, pumps, electrical, pneumatic equipment, vehicles, perhaps most importantly the gas grill.  Firefighter Andrade has taken an active role with the USLA recertification program, helping to promote the specialized skills that the department members can only learn from an accomplished waterman. Firefighter Andrade has a respectful and accountable relationship with the community members.  He has a deep sense of connection to the community he grew up in and is consistent in delivering public safety messages along with taking decisive actions to protect and assist those in need.
Firefighter Andrade consistently takes the lead in school presentations, developing hands on activities for the children.  An activity of note is a teambuilding fire attack where children work as teams to safely knock over targets (extinguish a fire).  This receives rave reviews and teaches key values to the participants.
His contributions to his crew, the station, and to the Kauai Fire Department may seem simple but they are complex and priceless.  Firefighter Andrade deserves to be the Humanitarian Firefighter of the Year and to be recognized for his humble dedication and consistent performance over ten years.  “Polishing the Badge” obviously means more than having the certificates, classes and a thick “resume”.  Firefighter Andrade has all of these elements but on top of this he possesses the intangible qualities that are immeasurable when choosing the Rotary Humanitarian Firefighter of the Year.