The late poet and author Charles Bukowski once wrote, “what matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” Few people better embody this principle than Class of 2026 Rio Salado graduate Pualani Hockenhull, whose dedication to the studying and application of public safety was strengthened by literal fire like metal being tempered in a forge.
“After the catastrophic Maui wildfires in 2023— that have directly affected my family to this day—I have been interested in identifying strategies that could be applied to other communities facing similar wildfire risks,” Hockenhull said. “Understanding how technology, communication systems, and coordinated leadership can influence evacuation outcomes is extremely important.”
When Hockenhull walked across the Rio Salado Commencement stage in May, she walked with many accomplishments tied to her name. Over the course of her studies at Rio and other schools, Hockenhull earned six associate degree, seven certificates, and one Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration degree. While public administration and public safety have become her main focuses, her studies and degree work have also made her knowledgeable in the areas of human resource management, contract law, business, and organizational leadership.
“I earned a total of 140 credits at Rio Salado College by graduation day,” Hockenhull said. “I am the first person in my family to have an associate degree, and my daughter is the first person to have a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University.”
Hockenhull got her start at Rio Salado in October 2011. Her education progressed in a series of starts and stops, as she had both personal and professional obligations to tend to.
“To reach my graduation goal I had to sacrifice a lot,” Hockenhull said. “I was a single mom when I started at Rio Salado College. My daughter and sick parents came first.”
Hockenhull continued educating herself to keep her job skills relevant and practical, helping her keep pace with rapid changes in her professional life.
“I worked three jobs just to get by,” Hockenhull said. “I have been downsized, restructured, reorganized, and laid off nine times regardless of the industry I worked in … However, every time I needed a new skill I would go back to school.”
Hockenhull faced multiple hardships in her life—“Covid, a bad car accident, and almost dying three times”— but has maintained a spirit of determination and pride in herself through it all. She credits her family with giving her the motivation and strength to keep going.
"Thankfully, my daughter, mom, friends, and my husband, whom I married in 2014, supported me," Hockenhull said.
Looking ahead to the future, Hockenhull can see herself going back to school to continue adding to her already impressive list of credentials.
“I would like to go back to school and get my law degree,” Hockenhull said. “I previously worked in law enforcement, and I have always wanted to get my law degree but could never afford to.”
Reflecting on the calamitous Maui wildfires that did so much damage to a place her family valued deeply, Hockenhull views her public safety training as a way of sparing others the pain and uncertainty her family experienced by ensuring that future disasters and emergencies will be handled with more care and swiftness.
“That fire should never have happened to that level,” Hockenhull said. “I see myself working in a city, county, or federal government agency. I know I can make a difference.”
Article by Austin Brietta