As lawmakers take a closer look at GovGuam's budget for the next fiscal year, the Guam Fire Department is sounding the alarm on staffing shortages and aging equipment.

Lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of public sector agency budgets for the upcoming fiscal year – this time turning their attention to GFD. Command staff, led by Fire Chief Daren Burrier, made the case for funding that supports both public safety and the men and women on the front lines. “This overview reflects the work of our dedicated firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, and civilian support staff who serve our island community every hour of every day," said Burrier.

He added that the proposed budget is mission-driven – focused on keeping personnel trained, equipped, and fairly compensated, while still practicing fiscal discipline. He also outlined the full scope of GFD's responsibilities from Fire Suppression and EMS to HAZMAT response, Search & Rescue, and operating the island’s e911 system. Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2027, the department’s priorities include modernizing operations, expanding its paramedic program, improving training certifications, and investing in facilities – including a new headquarters and training center.

But like other public safety agencies, GFD continues to face staffing shortages.

In the last five years, the department saw 92 separations and just a net gain of 13 personnel. Today, there are 68 vacancies, including critical roles in e911, maintenance, and administration. Despite that, leaders say they’re actively recruiting and working to stabilize staffing in the years ahead. “Filling these vacancies continue to challenge GFD and I am extremely grateful to the personnel that have taken on additional responsibilities to ensure continuity of operations and the uniformed and civilian members on the front lines meeting our mission mandates," he said.

In the meantime, major projects are moving forward. Construction of the Sinajaña Fire Station is underway, a second paramedic cohort has been completed, and about $6 million in federal grants are helping modernize equipment – reducing reliance on local funds.

GFD's total budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 is $43.6M – a $1.2M increase of from last year.

During the hearing, senators pressed officials specifically on recruitment funding that went unused. Assistant Fire Chief Michael Uncangco said, “The reason you see a huge amount of lapses is because the delay in recruitment in itself. That created lapses. So in reality, the supplemental funding that was provided of $794,000 was never needed to begin with.”

Lawmakers also asked about the condition of GFD's fleet and any plans to use local funding to replace vehicles. Burrier saying while ambulances are relatively new, some firetrucks are 15-20 years old.

He explained, “With these new grants that we have, we’ll be able to replace those and then take the older ones and actually service them and keep them for backups.”

Senators also raised questions about annual leave accruals as they consider legislation seeking to put caps on leave throughout GovGuam – with about 140 GFD personnel exceeding the 320-hour cap, some balances reaching as high as 1,800 hours.

In the end, lawmakers expressed strong support for GFD’s request – recognizing the resources invested today directly impact how quickly and safely first responders can answer the next call for help.