Former Guam resident Felix Concepcion Sablan passed away in August of this year but recently family, friends, members from the local and federal fire agencies, and island leaders gathered at the Guam Congress Building to posthumously honor and recognize Sablan for his years of dedicated service. You see, Sablan was not only the fire chief for Navy Federal Fire but also the Guam Fire Department and he is the first CHamoru to do so. During the ceremony, Sablan's son, Felix Jr. spoke on behalf of the family sharing some of his father's leadership lessons.

"A leader without followers is just a person taking a walk," he said. "My father knew that nothing meaningful and lasting gets accomplished alone. leaders should strive to be the type of person deserve the responsibility given." 

Sablan served as fire chief for 10 years before retiring from Navy Federal Fire in 2000. By then he had put in 21 years of dedicated service. Then in 2002, he was appointed GFD fire chief where he served another two years.

"My father was an extraordinary man. He taught us to treat people with dignity and respect regardless of their pedigree or title," his son said. 

Felix Sablan Jr. extended his gratitude and appreciation.

"For all the stories about my father," he said. "Just sharing stories it's really helped our family a lot. I want to thank all of our friends and family that were present and supportive."Sablan also wanted to extend a huge thank you to the legislature, the administration, and the federal and local fire department for bestowing such a recognition in a meaningful ceremony."

Installation Fire Chief Gifton Lawrence of Naval Base Guam offered the final tribute in a long firefighter tradition ringing a bell for Sablan one last time. 

"Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell which called him to duty and to place his life in jeopardy for the good of his fellow man. And when the call had ended, and the alarm was completed, it was the bell that rang three times to signal the end. And now Fire Chief Sablan has completed his task, his duty well done."