The nominee for fire chief of the Guam Fire Department went up for a confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Many coming out in full support for Daren Burrier, including several of his fire brothers who spoke of his work ethic and problem solving capabilities.

"Many of my mentors have passed, but I carry the knowledge they shared allowing me to carry on their legacy and mentor those who come after me. I credit the time in the department for teaching me the camaraderie and it means to be a part of a family of firefighters," he said.

A confirmation hearing was held for Burrier to serve as fire chief for the Guam Fire Department. He's been serving in an acting capacity since October.

Chairperson for the Committee on Fire, Sen. Will Parkinson, said, "The role of the chief of the Guam Fire Department is both demanding and crucial...requiring a leader who can navigate the complexities of emergency response, personnel management, and strategic planning. As we consider Burrier's nomination, it is essential to evaluate his vision for addressing the current challenges faced by the department."

Speaking to those traits, were many who came out to testify in support of burrier's appointment.

Battalion Chief Dean Aguon was one of them. He has known Burrier for over thirty years and considers him a mentor. He said, "We are built on our reputation and our character. Our reputation is what people know about us- so what we know about chief burrier? Hardworking, problem solver, and always the tip of the spear if we need him to lean in and lead our department in the right direction."

Aguon saying his character is even better describing him as an 'icon of stability' that they could look up to. "He's honest, loyal and his time is not just for the personnel, but also to the community," he said.

Burrier who joined the GFD in 1989 as part of the 11th Fire Cycle. Later he would be a key player in the development of the Advanced Life Support Unit which would take years to complete but was the first for the agency. 

"This experience would set the foundation as to who I am today - reinforcing the value of hard work, dedication, and determination to achieve a goal to completion," he said.

He would rise through the ranks and take on many different roles. He concluded his remarks by sharing the history of challenges and accomplishments. "The fire department you see today is not the same one I entered. The professional organization before you took years hard work, dedication, and commitment to achieve. It did not take one person but a team- a family, for it to materialize. I believe and I am confident that I have the desire to lead the department into the future along with every dedicated professional and who takes pride in wearing the guam fire department uniform," he said.