Were recent captain promotions in the Guam Fire Department fair and  just? A recent post-audit investigation was conducted after a trio of gfd firefighters lodged a complaint with the Guam Civil Service Commission.

The promotions of 33 to the rank of captain in the Guam Fire Department stands. A decision was made by the Civil Service Commission after a post-audit investigation was conducted. As we reported, it was back in December when three longtime GFD firefighters filed a complaint with the commission requesting for them to conduct an investigation on the recruitment of the fire captain position.

The three GFD firefighters claim that not only were they qualified, but there were at least ten that were selected over them that did not meet the minimum qualifications required to be eligible for the captain position.In February, the commission made a motion to move forward with the investigation. Over the next few weeks, staff of the commission conducted interviews with several GFD personnel including the three who filed the complaint. On Thursday, a hearing was held to go over the findings of the post audit investigation. Some of the findings from the staff include:

- The former fire chief at the time of the promotions, was found to be in violation of 4GCA Section 4101 when he used his personal recollection and did not apply best human resource practices when he requested to reconsider a particular applicant back on the list of eligibles. The former fire chief utilized this particular applicant's outstanding performance evaluation as the main factor and did not apply that same process with other applicants that did not get selected. This process should have been done with all applicants.

- The firefighter IIs whom were selected for captain promotions were found to be qualified

- The Department of Administration recruitment process of application rating and certification was in compliance.

With a vote of 3-1, the board voted to sustain the promotions.

Responding to the board's decision, acting fire chief Joey San Nicolas said, "Firefighters on both sides of this matter are valuable members to the department and the final selection is never easy. Pending any future adjudication, I congratulate our 33 Fire Captains and I encourage them and those not selected to continue to serve and make a difference, with or without the official title they hoped for."

In regards to the staff findings, San Nicolas said, "We will address the report findings and ensure that our processes are transparent and merit based; considering all aspects of a potential candidates’ career, including performance evaluations, education, skills and leadership abilities."

Guam Federation of Teachers representative Robert Koss also commented saying, "We will likely request the commission take another look at the case.  Where there is merit system protection, every qualified applicant deserves an equal opportunity regardless of political affiliation.  Clearly personal consideration was the agenda here in this case."

Meanwhile, there are a couple of cases currently moving through the CSC process relative to the promotions of GFD fire specialist and captain promotions.