Jeffrey “Jeff” Fiala was born January 13, 1999, to Michael and Kristine Fiala, alongside his twin brother, Andrew, and their older brother, Matthew. Jeff lost his life in the line of duty on January 6, 2025.

As a military family, the Fialas lived all over the world before ultimately settling in Hawai‘i, which was the first place Jeff truly felt at home. A 2017 graduate of Radford High School, he continued his education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021. UHM is also where he met his wife, Fiona, on move-in day of freshman year. They married on their sixth anniversary in November 2023.

Jeff decided to pursue a career with the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) in 2022. He took courses in the Fire & Environmental Emergency Response program at Honolulu Community College until he was accepted into HFD’s 115th Recruit Class in July 2023. Jeff graduated in March 2024 and subsequently entered the field. He was first assigned to Station 38 (Waiau) until he was relocated to Station 9 (Kaka‘ako) in May 2024, which became his second home for the remainder of his service. Jeff was known for his enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Aside from his service with HFD, Jeff is remembered for his many hobbies—fishing, skateboarding, diving, surfing, fishing, hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing, and anything else that gave him a reason to be outside—and his adventure-ready attitude, sense of humor, and fierce devotion to his family and friends.

Jeff was a one-of-a-kind person who left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He is deeply loved and missed.

“Gone Fishin.”