By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

TAKING up the cudgels for firefighters, Sen. Adolpho Palacios Sr., D-Ordot/Chalan Pago, yesterday urged Fire Chief George Aquino to reconsider his decision to hold promotions at the Guam Fire Department.
“During the course of the recruitment process, I have publicly supported these promotions which would give our firefighters the opportunity for advancement in their careers and to assume increased responsibilities within the department in their service to the community,” Palacios stated in a letter to Aquino.
Variety tried to reach Aquino for comment but he had not returned the call as of press time.
Palacios, meanwhile, reminded Aquino that Guam firefighters have not had any promotions in 15 years.
“Although the government of Guam must find ways to reduce its costs due to the ongoing fiscal challenges, these cost reductions should not be at the expense of promotional opportunities for our firefighters who provide critical fire safety and lifesaving services to our people,” Palacios said, urging Aquino to “implement these promotions immediately.”
“I am confident that despite the financial challenges that our government is presently incurring, the department and the governor’s office can identify the funds necessary for these promotions.  Our firefighters deserve no less,” he added.
During a firefighters’ demonstration at Adelup in September last year, Gov. Felix P. Camacho told GFD employees that they couldn’t expect any promotion in the near future until a complaint pending at the Department of Administration is resolved.
Union leaders, however, maintain that the pending investigation into a complaint against one firefighter should not hinder the career advancement for the rest of GFD employees.
The complaint involved the questionable results of the tests taken by firefighters who allegedly tried to cheat their way to their promotions.
GFD has open slots for fire captains, fire service specialists and firefighter II.