(BIVN) – Daniel Volpe has been appointed and sworn in as the new fire chief for the County of Hawaiʻi.
The Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission voted to formally appoint Daniel Volpe as Fire Chief during a Thursday meeting in Hilo. Following the meeting, Volpe was sworn in by Mayor Kimo Alameda at a ceremony outside the Mayor’s Office.
The effective date for Volpe’s appointment is November 17, 2026.
“On behalf of the people of the County of Hawaiʻi, we congratulate Daniel Volpe on his appointment and thank him for his strong commitment to protecting public safety and serving our residents with aloha,” Mayor Alameda said.
Family members, County officials, and members of the Hawai’i Fire Department attended the swearing-in ceremony.
From the County of Hawaiʻi:
The Fire Commission selected Volpe as the County’s next Fire Chief on Oct. 22 following in-person interviews with six candidates.
The job offer was conditional on the completion of a pre-employment medical examination and drug screening as well as proof of a valid driver’s license. All conditions were met prior to the commission meeting.
“Serving the community alongside the dedicated men and women of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department is the greatest privilege I can imagine,” Volpe said. “I am deeply humbled and will work every day to demonstrate our commitment to taking care of our island.”
Volpe, who was previously Deputy Fire Chief, became Temporary Fire Chief in January 2026 following the passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd in December 2025. He has served HFD for more than 20 years in multiple roles that also included Firefighter, Fire Medical Specialist (paramedic), and Battalion Chief.
Volpe will name a Deputy Chief at a later time.
