It's been three years since the last cycle for the Guam Fire Department. Now, 34 recruits hoping to become firefighters conclude their first official week of the fire academy. 32 men and 2 women that range in age from 20 to mid-40's, make up GFD's 22nd Fire Cycle. The cycle just wrapped up their first official week of the fire academy.

Operational training chief for the academy, Battalion Chief Dean Aguon, provided a rundown of what the next few weeks of the six-month academy will consist of. "Academically, we start off with the Emergency Medical Technician Course because that requires a lot of coordination on-campus and off-campus, ridealongs, clinicals, but while they're doing that they are working on getting their chauffeur's license, and conducting FEMA requirements and certifications," Aguon explained.

The cycle couldn't have come at a better time, as GFD is dealing with manpower issues with many retiring. "The recruits coming in right now, they are going to be added help once they graduate," Aguon added.

For Fire Recruit Noah Supple, 21, he said the desire to become a firefighter came from growing up and being surround by family and friends who were firefighter. He recalled, "Seeing them out there, working really hard, serving the people of Guam, really inspired me to eventually do the same."

Fellow fire recruit 24-year-old Gerard Michael Santos simply wants to save lives not just for himself and his family, but for the people of Guam. "I was excited to venture onto this path and learn something new," he said.

And although they are barely scratching the surface when it comes to fire training and education, they are ready for what lies ahead. "I'm looking forward to the fire suppression side, the EMS side to further my knowledge in everything," Santos commented.

And Supple added, "We've been challenged mentally and physically, but what we also learn is that there is a reason why our instructors and cadres, they do all of this for a reason, they want us to be prepared if/when we eventually graduated and we do get out there and serve the people of Guam, they want the best. It all starts here."

Aguon is optimistic with the new batch of recruits and looks forward to seeing their progression with every passing week, saying, "They are definitely committed, they have the right attitude, they believe in what we want to instill in them as far as their traits, their values, and the mission of the fire department."