The 34 recruits who make up the Guam Fire Department's 22nd Fire Cycle are six weeks into the fire academy. The journey to becoming a firefighter is no easy feat.

"I'm extremely happy they're here and finally going through our training pipeline, with the anticipation of them graduating in a few months, and to be able to join the rank and file of the organization, where I need them the most," Fire Chief Dan Stone told KUAM News, referring to the 34 men and women that are currently going through the rigorous Fire Academy. Just like the previous fire cycle three years ago, there are two women part of the 22nd Fire Cycle - Katrina Champaco Sanchez and Sonja Sanchez.

"I've always wanted to be in a profession that called for discipline and focused on serving our community," said Champaco, "so when the opportunity to join the Guam Fire Department was announced, there was no hesitation, I knew this was the career I wanted to pursue."

Sanchez added, "I wanted a career that would challenge me physically and academically, so when the fire department had an opening, I didn't hesitate to apply, and I would also love to be able to encourage other females to become a firefighter and become a part of the fire department."

And about six weeks into the academy, the recruits show no signs of stopping.

"They've got their work cut out for them. So as a matter of fact, this morning they are going through first aid and CPR, which is required training for firefighters, moving forward they'll be moving into their firefighter essentials learning, as well as firefighter II, HAZMAT awareness and ops, everything that they need in order to become professional firefighters," said Chief Stone.

It's something Sanchez is definitely looking forward to, as she noted, "I'm excited to take the EMT course and become more knowledgeable and just learn everything that is presented, but I'm also interested in the fire suppression side- that would challenge us in so many new ways."

According to Chief Stone, one of the challenges the cadre has is taking the 34 fire recruits and making them one team. "Make them work as a team, as a unit, because that's exactly what this profession requires," he said.

Champaco Sanchez added, "It's been great working along my brothers and sisters, everyone has been encouraging each other, to do their best and supporting each other along the way."

"It just feels natural. and everyone that's in the cycle, there's no tension, I feel like we came together perfectly. We fit well with each other," said Sanchez.

To say the academy this far has been challenging and at times grueling, it has been a learning process and has allowed them to realize just what they're capable of. Sanchez said, "I've definitely learned a lot. I feel like I've always had that discipline in me. To be honed and shaped to the standards of the Guam Fire Department, it's been great so far."

And with more cycles in the future, they hope to inspire and encourage more women to come out. "It is tough, but if this is something that you are passionate about and want to pursue, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to," concluded Champaco Sanchez .