Daniel Volpe swoon in as Hawaii island’s new fire chief

HILO >> The Hawaii County Fire Commission voted to formally appoint Daniel Volpe as fire chief Thursday, effective Tuesday.

Following the commission meeting, Volpe was sworn in by Mayor Kimo Alameda at a ceremony outside the mayor’s office attended by family members, county officials, and members of the Hawaii Fire Department.

“On behalf of the people of the County of Hawaii, we congratulate Daniel Volpe on his appointment and thank him for his strong commitment to protecting public safety and serving our residents with aloha,” Alameda said.

The 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 Thursday’s meeting.

“Serving the community alongside the dedicated men and women of the Hawaii 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 had been deputy fire chief, became temporary fire chief in January 2026 following the death of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd in December.

Volpe has served HFD for more than 20 years in multiple roles that also included firefighter, fire medical specialist (paramedic), and battalion chief.