Protecting Guam's rich cultural heritage from our lands and oceans to the unique flora and fauna, now rests in the hands of 11 dedicated individuals.

Sworn in Thursday morning, they are the pioneers of Guam's Inaugural Conservation Officer Apprenticeship program.

“So right now they have received the oath of office, it is the beginning phase of them pursuing their passion in law enforcement. Once they have been sworn in, now they will commence hard training, long hours, long shifts. But all that entails is great education and knowledge of skills that these recruits can attain from myself, a cadre, and other instructors to properly enforce the laws of not just the territory of Guam but also federal laws,” said Operations Sgt. Joey Terlaje, Cadre for the program.

With global challenges like illegal immigration impacting even island communities, conservation officers play a critical role alongside agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard.

“To commence police officer standardized tests, Guam Community College is assisting with a broader spectrum of training for peace officers on the island of Guam. In conservation it relies on both terrestrial and marine preservation for the island, the beaches, the natural resources, and enforcement into those sections and realms that play a huge role in our ecosystem,” added Terlaje.

Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio was also on hand, highlighting the often overlooked but vital role conservation officers play in Guam's law enforcement landscape.

“They have an area of responsibility that doesn't have a lot of public vision. In these growing and changing times, where we really want to safeguard our resources and also protect our homefront from threats,” said Tenorio.

Tenorio added that this new batch of officers will help law enforcement across the board from Guam police to Customs.

For conservation officer apprentices like Aaron Blaz, it's more than a job, it's a calling.

“I’m very thankful for this program. I mean they did say this is the first program of its kind, to be able to have Officer Terlaje as our cadre, Lt. Ragadio, and the other senior officers to gain their knowledge and experience, man, it's a blessing,” said Blaz.

For 19-year old Angel Rugante, a student at GCC, she said it was practice for a required course that led her to the program.

“I took interest in it because I liked wildlife as well as the marine side of things. So I ended up taking this opportunity to be an intern and with all the cadets around me, I wanted to be an apprentice as well,” said Rugante.

As the apprentices continue their training, Terlaje offers some words of wisdom that goes beyond the uniform.

“Be resilient. Endure the hard times because it won't last forever. But as we push on together,

each and every one of them along with their family members, they can all come to an agreement that this is not just for themselves and their families but this is for the island,” said Terlaje.