Guam Fire Department requests $42.6 million for FY2026; seeks $2 increase to E‑911 surcharge to cover NG9‑1‑1 costs

GUAM — The Guam Fire Department told the Legislature on June 8 that its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget of $42,635,007.34 would fund new recruit classes, additional ambulances and steps to expand paramedic services, but would not cover full maintenance costs for the territory's Next Generation 9‑1‑1 (NG9‑1‑1) system without an increase to the E‑911 surcharge.

Darren Berger, fire chief of the Guam Fire Department, presented the department's FY2026 request at a public hearing of the Committee on Finance and Government Operations. Berger said the request includes funding to hire a 20‑person recruit cycle, procure ambulances and continue implementation of the department's paramedic program. "The Guam Fire Department is requesting the total of $42,635,007.34 for the fiscal year 2026," Berger told the committee.

The chief framed the request around staffing and equipment shortfalls and a goal to reduce overtime and improve service. "We'll continue to expand the Guam Fire Department's paramedic program, and we'll be developing blueprints towards a community paramedic program," Berger said. He also described plans to seek updates to the department's fees and fines to improve cost recovery for inspections, emergency medical services and fire suppression responses.

Why it matters: The budget would cover personnel and capital needs linked to emergency medical response island‑wide, including procurement of four ambulances (two funded from the general fund and two from the flame fund/capital outlay) and continued funding for recruit classes. Committee members repeatedly pressed the department on gaps that could affect operations — notably the NG9‑1‑1 contract and an outstanding maintenance shortfall — and on the timing of recruit training and its effect on overtime costs.

Key figures and operational details

- Berger said the FY2026 request represents an overall increase of about $101,640 (0.24%) over…