The University of Hawaiʻi community mourns the loss of alumnus Jeffrey Fiala, a firefighter who tragically lost his life on January 6, 2025, during a search and rescue operation at a two-story apartment fire in McCully. He is remembered for his bravery and dedication to service, and was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend and colleague with a passion for fishing, photography and nature. He was 25 years old.
Fiala took classes at Honolulu Community College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from UH Mānoa in December 2021. Fiala’s UH Mānoa journey was also where he met his wife, Fiona, on freshman move-in day. The couple married in 2023.
While attending the university from 2017 to 2021, he worked on the UH Campus Center’s landscaping team. His coworkers remember his infectious smile and positive attitude.
Reid Tollefsen, a landscape and building maintenance worker at Campus Center who helps supervise the student employees in the landscaping department, reflected on Fiala’s work ethic and camaraderie.
“Jeff was an outstanding worker and a great addition to the landscape team. He was always lending a helping hand.” Tollefsen shared. “We are very grateful to have met such an amazing person like Jeff and thank him for his dedicated service.”
Tollefsen fondly remembered their mutual love of fishing. “Some of us are fishermen, so when we found out Jeff loved fishing, we’d talk about it any chance we had. We even had a fishing trip to Laie Point. We didn’t catch much, but the memories we created are unforgettable,” he said.
Rochelle Willis, a former staff member who oversaw the UH Campus Center landscaping team, worked closely with Fiala. In a Facebook tribute, she wrote: “Jeffrey Fiala was and always will be one of our own. Your mana is embedded into the grounds surrounding us. Rest in paradise knowing you made a huge difference in all our lives.”
Dedication to service, community
Fiala’s passion for service led him to join the Honolulu Fire Department’s 115th Firefighter Recruit Class in July 2023, and become a firefighter in March 2024. In his brief time as firefighter, he made a profound impact, quickly earning a reputation for his enthusiasm and kindness.
On January 8, HFD led a solemn procession to honor Fiala. Mayor Rick Blangiardi paid tribute, saying, “He died a hero while fighting a fire in McCully. This young man’s service and bravery will never be forgotten.”
Fiala is survived by his wife Fiona, his parents Michael and Kristine, and his extended family and friends. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Fiala’s family throughout this unexpected tragedy.
Services will be held at the HFD kakaʻako Headquarters, located at 636 South Street, on January 25. Visitation is at 10:15 a.m., with the program beginning at 11:30 a.m. Formal procession at 2 p.m. with a private burial to follow.
