After several months of being tested academically and physically, as well as being challenged mentally and emotionally, 31 men and 2 women graduated from the Guam Fire Department's 22nd Fire Cycle, ready to serve the people of Guam.

All coming from different backgrounds and different circumstances but all had the same desire - to become a firefighter. And on Friday morning, in front of family, friends, and island dignitaries, nearly three dozen men and women did just that - graduating and becoming official firefighters with the Guam Fire Department.

Fire graduate Noah Supple told KUAM News, "It's unreal. It's been a long six months of hard work and training, but I'm just so happy I'm here."

What prompted him to join the academy? He says being surrounded by firefighters. "The way they carry themselves, the work they do, it really inspired me to become one of them and here I am now," he added.

For fire graduate Luke Camacho, who is also a medic with the Army National Guard, it just made sense. "I feel like my capabilities have been used to the full extent, to actually help my island and the people. So this is the first step to actually being out there with my fellow brothers and sisters helping our island," he shared.

In April, a new cycle was launched three years after the last one was completed. Over the course of the six months, recruits were challenged academically and physically. In the beginning, the fire recruits were working hard in the classroom, learning the theories, basic concepts and terminology, and fundamentals of being a firefighter. From there they all passed the emergency medical technician course, and then experienced hands on training at the stations, underwent skill assessments and clinicals and all while ensuring they obtain the necessary fema requirements and certifications.

The 22nd Fire Cycle all worked together and made sure each and every one of them made it to the end.

For both men, what does it mean to become a firefighter? Camacho said, "You have to give up your personal gain for the betterment of the department, you have to put ego aside because somewhere out there is someone out there that needs our help, and at the end of the day, lay our life down to help that person - a complete stranger."

"It means protecting and serving the people of Guam," Supple continued, "making a difference on this island, it means a lot."