Four Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency officers were honored with promotions to a leadership rank that carries greater responsibility in protecting our borders. The ceremony showcased their commitment to service, the trust placed in them by their agency, and the critical role customs plays in keeping guam safe.

Four officers – Walter Gray, Jeremy Artero, Steven Quichocho, and Sheena San Nicolas – are now officially Customs and Quarantine Officer IIIs, marking a new chapter in their careers after more than a decade of service each. Customs public information officer Alana Chargualaf-Afaisen says the promotion is more than a title, telling KUAM News, “The promotion to Officer 3 is a mark of trust. This role carries increased responsibility to lead operational teams and make effective decisions in cases with increased complexity and intensity, while striving to ensure proper enforcement of local and federal laws and regulations – with a drive to uphold our agency’s highest standards.”

Officer IIIs also serve as mentors within the agency – helping guide ethical conduct, promoting teamwork, and ensuring compliance that protects legitimate trade, commerce, and travel to our island. Director Ike Peredo highlighted the deep experience each officer brings, noting their work across every port of entry and their contributions to homeland security and biosecurity enforcement.

He says these four officers have consistently led by example, sharing, “We are proud to know that each of the officers sitting before us today has proven to have valuable attributes and law enforcement capacity.”

Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio used the moment to acknowledge the families who support these officers – especially as many prepare to work through the Thanksgiving holiday. “Families, of course, are the foundation that [allow] our officers, our law enforcement officers to really get to work and be able to focus on their duties. To be able to be inspired to set aside some of the threats, harms, and unknowns that they may encounter," he said. He reminded the newly-promoted leaders that even in higher positions, the learning never stops as new threats attempt to cross our borders everyday.

And Governor Lou Leon Guerrero emphasized that Customs remains the island’s first line of defense – praising their service as essential to preserving guam’s safety, economy, and quality of life. “Your people are going to look up to you. You are going to be their role model, continuing the best standard of service from our Customs and Quarantine Agency," she said proudly.

While Officer Walter Gray could not attend, the agency also celebrated his 17 years of service and his promotion alongside his fellow officers.

With decades of experience now stepping into greater responsibility, Customs leaders say Guam is safer because of officers like them answering the call.