As the Guam Fire Department prepares for the swearing-in ceremony of Daren Burrier as Fire Chief, he outlined the state of EMS response and ongoing efforts to improve services across the island.

Chief Burrier noted that when he first assumed the role of acting Fire Chief, only four ambulances were operational.

Today, that number has risen to six, with plans to reach eight by the end of this week.

The department has also procured four new ambulances expected to arrive this year, bringing the fleet total to 12. These additions come as the department addresses challenges with an aging fleet and global shortages.

GFD is leveraging a mutual aid agreement with the Department of Defense and relying on first responders and dispatchers to triage calls effectively.

Chief Burrier credits this progress to the support of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, and Oversight Chair Senator Shawn Gumataotao, who have prioritized public safety and the procurement of new equipment.

He restated GFD’s commitment to swiftly responding to emergencies and continuing to build a stronger EMS response for the island.