Three veteran firefighters, each with decades of service and sacrifice, were officially promoted to battalion chief, marking a proud milestone for the Guam Fire Department.

On Tuesday, in front of family, friends, island leaders, and brothers and sisters of the GFD, Aaron J. Cruz, Gil Almario, and Brandon Sana were promoted to battalion chiefs.  With decades of dedicated service across suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and leadership development, these three bring a wealth of experience and commitment to the frontlines. 

Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero stated, "You wouldn't be chosen for this promotion if you didn't have the leadership skills. If you didn't have the commitment, the compassion, to move forward the purpose and the mission of our Guam Fire Department."

Fire Chief Daren Burrier spoke on the pinning of these chief officers and their next level of leadership. "These individuals have been serving as captains, and they have developed their ability at the captain's level and now they aspire to be chief officers and entering this requires dual support or more like triple support, one is from your family, and I know I get my biggest support from my wife, so I know you will get that same support from your wives, and your loved ones in your endeavors," he said.

"The other is looking to the other chief officers, to help you and guide you in your new role as chief officers and how you are going to carry out and mentor others. And the other is most important- the firefighters with the Guam Fire Department. They have to look up to you and have confidence in you."

Congratulations to Guam's newest battalion chiefs!