By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

THE Guam Fire Department has received criticism for allowing firefighters to do office work and other administrative jobs.
Sen. Adolpho B. Palacios Sr., D-Ordot/Chalan Pago and a member of the public safety committee, said concerns have been raised regarding the use of uniformed firefighters to carry out administrative duties, rather than having them apply their expertise and skills out in the field where they are more needed.
Palacios cited the public hearing on GFD’s budget held in September 2005 which showed that it would take approximately three to six months to recruit and train personnel to assume the administrative responsibilities.
“Senators were assured that this was going to be given a priority. It has come to my attention that more than seven uniformed firefighters continue to carry out administrative duties such as payroll and supply jobs,” the senator said.
In the meantime, Palacios said many of the island’s firefighters in district stations are frequently being required to work extra hours beyond their regularly scheduled assignments, thus continuing to spend less time with their families.
The senator pointed out that it has been more than a year and a half since assurance was given that uniformed firefighters would not be used for office work.
Palacios is now requesting GFD to provide a report on the status of recruiting civilian administrative personnel to replace uniformed firefighters who should be reassigned to the island’s various fire stations.
“Our uniformed firefighters can better apply their expertise and knowledge by serving in our community fire stations, rather than as administrative personnel doing office work,” Palacios said.