KAHULUI, Hawaii — At a ceremony on Thursday, Mayor Richard Bissen proclaimed Maui Fire Department Centennial Day in recognition of the Maui Fire Department’s century of service in response to fires, floods and other emergencies.

The ceremony was held at the Kahului Fire Station with Fire Chief Brad Ventura, Deputy Chief Gavin Fujioka, Assistant Chiefs Henry “Hanale” Lindo and Jeffrey Giesea and others, including firefighters from Kahului Engine, Tanker, Rescue and Hazmat crews in attendance, according to a release.

In 1924, following several significant fires on the island, the County Board of Supervisors established the fire department, which was then known as the Wailuku Fire Department.

Since then, the department has become the County Department of Fire and Public Safety. It includes 10 fire stations on Maui, two fire stations and a satellite station on Molokai and one fire station on Lanai. The department also encompasses the Ocean Safety Section with its 472 employees including 12 grant-funded ocean safety officer positions at Makena State Beach Park.

“We have to thank all those who came before us for where we are today,” said Fire Chief Ventura in the release. “It’s all of our jobs to make sure we mentor and build for the future of our department so we can have at least another 100 years serving Maui County.”

In his proclamation, Bissen paid tribute to the firefighters, civilian employees and community members who have contributed to the department’s successes over the years.

Bissen said, “It never gets old saying mahalo and expressing our gratitude.”