Guam boosts emergency readiness with surplus fire response gear

A surplus fire engine and other emergency-response equipment have been transferred to the Guam Fire Department, a move officials say will sharpen the island’s ability to protect residents and natural resources.

The apparatus, originally valued at more than $321,000, was obtained through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Firefighter Property Program, which lets Guam’s Department of Agriculture Forestry and Soil Resources Division acquire excess military assets at no cost. After the engine was turned in at Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services on Naval Base Guam, it entered the 42-day Reutilization, Transfer and Donation process that prioritizes reuse by military units, federal agencies and approved special programs before items can be donated, sold or scrapped.

As the screening window narrowed, DLA Property Disposal Specialist Malcolm Naputi flagged the engine for potential local use, completed documentation and kept it available alongside other emergency supplies. Guam Fire Department personnel inspected the vehicle on site to determine outfitting and transport needs, and, with a pickup deadline looming, DLA and the Forestry and Soil Resources Division coordinated final steps to complete the handoff. DLA’s sponsorship also enabled the territorial forestry team to access the base and screen available assets.

“This acquisition demonstrates the power of partnership and resourcefulness,” said Glenn Takai, DOAG’s acting director. “Through the USDA Forest Service’s firefighter program, we were able to secure a critical emergency response asset at no cost to Guam taxpayers while strengthening the Guam Fire Department’s ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. We remain committed to leveraging every available opportunity to enhance public safety and build a more resilient Guam.”

Local officials framed the transfer as part of the territory’s “One Guam” approach to preparedness, in which federal and territorial agencies coordinate to bolster emergency response across the island.

“Wildland fire readiness is a priority among partners. Our Forestry Division will continue to identify resources and opportunities to support our community and partners across Guam and our region,” said Division Chief Christine Camacho Fejeran.

DLA leaders said the RTD pipeline helps match community needs with available federal property.

“Our mission is to ensure that excess federal property is put back into service where it can make the greatest impact,” Coombs said. “The RTD program allows us to match available assets with real world needs, and this fire engine will directly enhance Guam’s emergency response capability.”

Regional leadership echoed that message.

“Our mission is to ensure every available resource is leveraged to strengthen the readiness of the communities we support,” said Faron Cordrey, DLA Disposition Services Indo Pacific director. “This effort reflects the power of collaboration and smart stewardship. By reutilizing excess federal property, we’re not only preserving critical funding but delivering life saving capability directly to Guam’s first responders.”

Officials said the collaboration underscores how steady communication, shared goals and careful stewardship can translate surplus federal resources into frontline capability for local responders.