Guam’s emergency readiness strengthened with excess fire response equipment

Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services and Guam Department of Agriculture's Forestry and Soil Resources Division recently coordinated the transfer of a fire engine and emergency response assets to the Guam Fire Department, significantly enhancing the island's ability to protect its citizens.

The fire engine, originally valued at more than $321,000, was acquired through the federal Firefighter Property Program, which authorizes Guam DOAG FSRD to screen and obtain excess military property at no cost. Once the engine was turned over to DLA's property disposal site at Naval Base Guam, it entered the 42-day Reutilization, Transfer and Donation cycle that makes excess Department of War property available for reuse by eligible customers. Through RTD, items move through defined screening periods that give military units, federal agencies, and approved special programs the opportunity to request assets before they are donated, sold, or scrapped.

As the transfer window narrowed, DLA Property Disposal Specialist Malcolm Naputi played a key role in identifying the engine, preparing required documentation, and ensuring the asset remained available for screening alongside emergency response items like duffel bags, ponchos, and support equipment. Guam Fire Department personnel conducted an on site inspection to determine equipment and transport support needed for removal. With a pickup deadline approaching, the combined efforts of DLA and DOAG FSRD ensured the fire engine was successfully transferred before the RTD cycle closed and underscored the importance of cross agency collaboration in enabling local partners to access federal property located on military installations. For DOAG FSRD, sponsorship from DLA was essential to physically access the site 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."

The transfer also reflects the territory's "One Guam" approach to disaster preparedness, where local and federal partners work together to support the island's emergency response mission.

"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 Disposition Services Guam Area Manager James Coombs emphasized the value of DLA's RTD program in supporting community resilience.

"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."

The effort also drew praise from DLA Disposition Services regional leadership.

"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."

Through continuous communication, shared goals, and a unified focus on public safety, DLA Disposition Services Guam and its partners continue to demonstrate how smart stewardship of federal resources translates into tangible mission success.