Hawaiʻi honors fire chief who died unexpectedly

Photo: Tim Wright | newsphotoshawaii.com

By Tim Wright

Pāhala Fire Department personnel joined the funeral procession for Fire Chief Kazuo Todd on Jan. 10 at HFD Administration at the Hawaiʻi County Building in Hilo.

Firefighters, police officers, lifeguards and emergency personnel from across Hawaiʻi and parts of the mainland gathered to honor Todd, who died unexpectedly at age 45 after suffering an aneurysm on Dec. 14.

Todd’s casket was carried aboard a vintage fire engine as first responders stood at attention, saluted and observed final radio calls from Big Island fire stations. A Hawaiʻi Fire Department helicopter conducted a ceremonial flyover, releasing loose flowers along the route.

A larger community memorial service was also held Jan. 10 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. 

Tim Wright is a fourth-generation native of Hawai‘i Island, has built an impressive career spanning more than 20 years. A stringer for the Associated Press (AP) and Hawai‘i Media, Tim has refined his craft through decades of capturing powerful, authentic moments.