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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 15, 2003

Ex-HFD Capt. Felix 'Clarence' Freitas, dead at 80

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Retired Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Felix "Clarence" Freitas, who was named Firefighter of the Year in 1973, died Feb. 3. He was 80.

FREITAS
Freitas joined the department in 1942 as a hoseman and retired in 1975 as captain of Rescue Company No. 1. During his 33-year career, Freitas received many awards and commendations.

Retired Chief Donald Chang, who served as a driver under Freitas at the 'Aiea fire station, remembers Freitas as being very dedicated to his work.

"He worked very hard and was a good rescue captain," Chang said.

Retired Rescue Capt. Peter Akiona Jr. grew up with Freitas in Manoa Valley and joined the department three years after Freitas. Akiona said Freitas was always prepared for whatever challenges his crew would face.

"He always has been one who planned his work, and he always seemed to come up with the right decisions. He was very conscientious," said Akiona, who has a daughter and four sons in the department.

In 1973, Freitas was named the department's Firefighter of the Year and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Newspaper accounts show how well-deserved the awards were.

On Sept. 11, 1972, Freitas jumped from a helicopter into rough ocean waters to rescue a swimmer off the Lana'i Lookout.

The following month, Freitas was credited with rescuing eight boys who became stranded while hiking. Those rescues occurred in two locations on the same day.

After retiring from the department in 1975, Freitas worked in the security department at Kamehameha Schools for 10 years. He also was a member of the Kahuku Lions Club and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Waikane.

Freitas is survived by his wife, Edith; daughters, Barbara, Beverly Suenaga, and Diane Lau; son, Douglas; sister, Carol Lee; brothers, Wilfred and Clyde "Butch"; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Borthwick Mortuary. There also will be visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Mass to follow.