Robert Shimada, a 19-year Maui Fire Department veteran and current captain of third-watch Ladder 3 company in Lahaina, was named today as Maui's new deputy chief succeeding retiring Neal Bal.

Shimada's appointment was announced by new Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray. The two graduated in the same recruit class in 1989 and have worked together in Lana'i and Lahaina.

"Robert is one of the most diligent people I know, and he is extremely dedicated to our department and to the people we serve," Murray said. "His understanding of policies, coupled with his attention to detail, will be a real asset to our department."

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares described the appointment as a "great opportunity for the department to benefit from a leadership team thathas individually demonstrated enthusiasm, focus and dedication. Now their combined skills and talent will be instrumental to the department's future growth and critical needs."

Shimada is a 1980 Baldwin High School graduate and resides in Wailuku.

The appointments of Murray and Shimada will become official April 15,