Inquiry into fire chief's appointment

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Public Safety Committee Chair Senator Adolpho Palacios is conducting his own investigation into the appointment of Acting Fire Chief Ray Perez. Palacios says the candidates' packet lacks supporting documents to the claim that Perez served in the capacity as a battalion chief.

He says since that is a statutory requirement; he is now hoping to meet with staff at the Governor's Office before scheduling a confirmation hearing. "I feel that a further inquiry by my office aside from the submission from the governor with respect to his packet, there needs to be an independent investigation into it," he said.

Perez's appointment expires on September 24. In the meantime, Chief Perez defends his qualifications saying that he was certified to sit in the position by the Department of Administration.