Michael Howe was named the most outstanding recruit of Maui County's recently graduated 26th Fire Recruit class, the Department of Fire and Public Safety announced today.

The class graduated July 18 in a ceremony at the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa.

The 13 graduates, who completed 22 weeks of training, also included award winners Nicholas Simon (academic achievement) and Keahi Ho (outstanding functional skills). The Ho'oulu award, which recognizes the spirit of service and inspiration of the late Maui Fire Captain Charlie Iwata, went to recruit Shawn Kiesel.

Other members of the class were Nohea Williams, Kamuela Guth, Tyson Santiago, Judd McCandless, Cody Cordeiro, Patrick Blackburn, Navayo Caiserman, Dana Anderson and David Kamalani.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray said, "Their accomplishments during recruit training are just the beginning of what they will be able to achieve during their careers, and I know they will continue to put their hearts into serving the community as fire fighters."