by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Christmas is coming early for hundreds of the island's public safety personnel as the Calvo Administration announced its plans to pay out half of the retroactive pay owed to them over the years starting this Friday. Acting Governor Ray Tenorio says public safety officers literally work 24/7 and was more than pleased to announce this afternoon the full implementation of outstanding pay raises owed to them for years.

"So finally we're announcing that 50% of the money that is owed to all public safety officers - that is the 20% that was not yet realized and required by law, 50% of that will released this coming Friday," he said.

Starting this Friday, 1,146 current and former public safety officers will be paid the remaining 20% totaling approximately $10 million. Meanwhile starting next payday on December 20, 989 public safety officers will start to see their paycheck 20% bigger, finally realizing the full 40% adjustment. Tenorio, who oversees public safety, says this brings everyone full circle and closer to other law enforcement in the U.S.

"The men and women of the Guam Police Department really appreciate the efforts to get them paid with the 20% that are owed, and I'd like to give a big hand for this achievement."

Guam Police Department Police Chief Fred Bordallo says the starting pay for police officers is about $22,000 and will help officers who put their lives at risk everyday deal with their own personal struggles. He explained, "What it helps out with this particular situation, is there are some officers who even left the department that the governor has recognized and retired and they're also going to be deserving of some of the pay, too."

The Department of Corrections has faced its recent challenges lately and director Jose San Agustin says this is definitely a morale booster. "I tell you, they're happy campers, this make for a good retention, good recruitment but also well deserving for the hardworking men and women of the Department of Corrections and those spouses that deserve it as well. I mean, what a Christmas gift!" he said.

San Agustin does however say some officers who have been with the department for years have been contemplating retirement and while they are deserving of it, hopes this increase will convince them to stay. Acting Governor Tenorio however says in about two or three years, he believes as a result of this increase we should expect more safety officers retiring that will open the door for new blood more opportunity in the public safety sector.