by Nick Delgado

Guam - More questions surfacing over legislation that would amend minimum qualifications for a GFD fire fighter. Bill 295 would mandate the requirements for individuals wanting to become fire fighters, essentially putting them in line with Guam Police. However, Rueben Olivas argues fire fighters are not peace officers and should not be treated as such.

The measure would also require a polygraph exam be conducted, but Olivas says that would only be a waste government funds. "Once you go through the Fire Academy, which is roughly about six months it cost a few thousand dollars per fire fighter to train them and another couple thousand dollars to outfit them, when they graduate they become a fire fighter, so are we saying then after they graduate and appointed a firefighter which is what the law says that there's a possibility that if they do not pass a polygraph or psychological evaluation that they may not continue their employment," he said.

He adds the bill is not necessary, as the Department of Administration is already mandated to ensure fire fighters meet minimum qualifications for the job.