(Hagatna, Guam)-

When disaster strikes, firefighters are often the first to respond…whether it is a medical emergency or structure set a blaze, they work tirelessly to take care of the community.  The need to look over the community prompted island federal to establish a non-profit organization to do just that.

Guam’s Association of Federal Firefighters was established in November of 2019, composed of military and civilian federal firefighters and their spouses ready to help. Member John Leon Guerrero said AFFF’s goal is to assist the community through volunteer work, clean-ups, and beautification projects, whether members are on or off-duty.

“I think the perception of firefighters is that we always sleep all the time,” Leon Guerrero said.

Self -sacrifice is a trait that federal firefighters possess. They have a natural desire to help others and have a giving spirit.

Willing to take risks and make selfless sacrifices to assist others, federal firefighters could be labeled as courageous.

 Leon Guerrero is no exception. Having devoted much of his life to public service, Leon Guerrero always tries to create ways to give back to the community. Through the AFFF, he has helped raise funds for the less fortunate, painted bus stops, and picked up trash.

AFFF also is focused on strengthening the bond between federal firefighters. The group has hosted family-friendly obstacle courses at the Navy Exchange adding fun to their efforts.

 “Boosting morale and building the brotherhood and sisterhood has always been an important mission for the AFFF,” Secretary Adrian Echon said.

And their reach has crossed oceans. In their inaugural month, AFF members rallied together for a boot drive to benefit the Australian Red Cross. In 2019, the Land Down Under was consumed by bushfires devastating wildlife and lands throughout the vast continent.

And on Guam, AFFF felt compelled to assist their fellow Aussie brothers and sisters. Standing under the blazing sun, members held their boots out to motorists, raising $4,000 for supplies and meals for the firefighters who were working to contain Australia’s inferno.

Here on the home front, AFFF pulled through to aid the island’s traditional healers. In April, Guma Yo’Amte, the center for traditional CHamoru healing in Yona was struck by vandals. Rooms of the building were trashed with parts of the ceiling burned. The AFFF took action, purchasing paint and supplies. On their days off, members cleaned up the mess and prepped the facility, repainting and helped it get back on its feet.

While the group had just begun to create momentum with its efforts, members hit a wall with the second wave of COVID-19.  It meant postponing much of its planned activities and events, including assisting with the Special Olympics.

“We were excited to be mentors and coaches and even host a few of the events but due to the unfortunate pandemic, it wasn’t able to happen,” said member Sonny Quichocho.

Though disappointed, Quichocho added the AFFF is strongly committed to helping with the logistics of future Special Olympics events.

Most recently, the group has been gearing up for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1. On this global day of giving, members of the AFFF will be collecting non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army of Guam. The items are gathered for distribution to those less fortunate during this particularly difficult holiday season.

Leon Guerrero said the AFFF is here to help, urging anyone who may need any form of assistance to reach out by calling 929-8833.