KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd died unexpectedly early Sunday morning. He was 45 years outdated.
Todd was a 21-year veteran of the Hawaii Fireplace Division and had been hearth chief since 2021.
Todd’s mom, Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, mentioned her son was an inspiration to her and lots of others.
“I’m fortunate I had him as my son, he actually was, he actually was the most effective that God ever gave me. He made me a greater particular person day by day of his life,” Leithead-Todd shared. “To have so many individuals attain out to us after which share tales about how good he was to them or how he had helped them.”
No precise reason for dying was instantly given, however Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda mentioned in a press release that it was from pure causes.
Deputy Chief Daniel Volpe will function the division’s performing hearth chief.
Todd earned a Bachelor’s diploma in Fireplace Emergency Companies Administration from Colorado State College and was enrolled within the Nationwide Fireplace Academy’s Govt Fireplace Officer Program.
Those that knew him say Todd adopted a “servant-leadership” philosophy, believing that the objective of a frontrunner is to focus totally on the well-being of the individuals he leads and the neighborhood he serves.
Earlier than he was appointed as chief, he held management roles in Fireplace Prevention and Auxiliary Companies, together with six years as a battalion chief.
He additionally served because the chair of the Hawaii State Fireplace Council and was a member of the Hawaii Fireplace Chiefs Affiliation and the Worldwide Affiliation of Fireplace Chiefs.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda issued this assertion:
“It’s with deep disappointment that the County of Hawaiʻi broadcasts the passing of Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was a revered chief in our neighborhood and a faithful husband, father, and public servant. For greater than twenty years, he served our County with dedication and integrity. His unwavering dedication to public security created a permanent legacy that may proceed to guard and uplift our island. We prolong our deepest condolences to his household, pals, and our Fireplace Division ʻohana throughout this tough time.”
On Monday, Mayor Alameda ordered that each one flags on County of Hawai’i property are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd. The flags will stay at half-staff from Monday, Dec. 15, till sundown on Friday, Dec. 19.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi launched the next assertion on Todd’s passing:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Hawaii County Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd. At simply 45 years outdated, his loss is a tragic blow to the Massive Island and to your complete Hawaii hearth service ʻohana. Chief Todd was a devoted public servant who led with power, humility, and an unwavering dedication to defending his neighborhood. His passing is felt far past Hawaii County, and we mourn alongside our neighbors throughout the state. On behalf of the Metropolis and County of Honolulu, our ideas and prayers are with Chief Todd’s household, family members, and each member of the Hawaii County Fireplace Division throughout this extremely tough time. We stand in solidarity with all Hawaii County firefighters as they grieve the lack of a revered chief and brother.”
In a press release, Gov. Josh Inexperienced mentioned:
“Jaime and I ship our heartfelt aloha to the Todd ohana. Chief Kazuo Todd was enthusiastic about maintaining individuals secure, and his management was an instance for these within the hearth service in Hawaiʻi County and throughout the state. Whereas we mourn his sudden loss, every of us could be happy with and grateful for the legacy of dedication and repair he exemplified.”
State Fireplace Marshal Dori Sales space mentioned in a press release:
“The Workplace of the State Fireplace Marshal extends its deepest condolences to the household and colleagues of Hawaii County Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd, following his sudden and sudden dying. His management, dedication and repair profoundly strengthened the security and resilience of our communities statewide in his position as Chair of the State Fireplace Council. The Workplace of the State Fireplace Marshal stands prepared to supply any assist wanted and stays dedicated to strolling alongside the Hawaiʻi County Fireplace Division with respect, compassion and solidarity within the days forward.”
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda issued the next assertion on Chief Todd’s passing:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Hawaii County Fireplace Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was greater than a devoted public servant — he was a faithful son, a loving husband, and a proud father who carried these values of household into each a part of his life and work.
I’ll all the time keep in mind the best way Chief Todd took care of all of Hawaiʻi Island like household. Whether or not in moments of disaster or calm, he led with compassion, humility, and an unwavering sense of accountability to the individuals he served. He was a real servant chief — somebody who put others earlier than himself, earned belief by means of motion, and led not for recognition, however out of affection for his neighborhood.
On this second of deep disappointment, maybe one of the simplest ways we are able to honor Chief Todd is to dwell and lead as he did — with braveness, integrity, and take care of each other.”
In a press release, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke mentioned:
“I used to be deeply saddened to be taught of the sudden passing of Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was a devoted chief, dedicated to serving and defending the individuals of Hawai‘i Island and to advocating for hearth security.
His management left a long-lasting impression not solely on his neighborhood, however on our whole state. He might be remembered for his sense of aloha and dedication to service. I prolong my deepest aloha to his colleagues and the Todd ‘ohana.”
Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye added, “He was so enthusiastic about his work and, , he’s handled many incidences of fireplace right here on Hawaii Island as effectively. And extra just lately on the fires we had in downtown Hilo per week in the past. He’s carried out a simply fabulous work in his position as our Fireplace Chief.”
Hawaii County councilmember Holeka Inaba mentioned Todd was a forward-thinking chief who embraced new know-how and advocated for funding for tools and coaching for his personnel.
“We all know that his legacy and what he began and plenty of the initiatives that he created will proceed to assist serve our neighborhood right here in Hawaii County,” Inaba added.
Survivors embody his spouse and daughter, in addition to a sister, Kathy, and a brother, state Rep. Chris Todd.
Companies are pending.
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