WAILUKU, MAUI — Fire Capt. Robert Shimada has been selected as Maui County deputy fire chief, incoming Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray announced.

Shimada, a 19-year member of the Maui Fire Department, is a captain at the Lahaina Fire Station. He replaces retiring Deputy Fire Chief Neal Bal.

The appointment takes effect April 15.

Shimada, 45, has served nearly all of his 19 years with MFD on the West side, at the Lahaina and Napili fire stations. A captain since 2001, Shimada graduated with the same recruit class as Murray in 1989.

"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.