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Lawmakers press GFD on command‑staff overtime; chief says overtime over 120 hours must be justified

Committee on Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Your Guam National Guard · January 12, 2026

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Summary

The committee asked about 2021 allegations that administrative employees were paid overtime for hours not worked. Fire Chief Darren Burrier said command staff work on a 120‑hour schedule and that overtime beyond 120 hours must be justified; the department will provide specific overtime figures to the committee.

Senator Kumatato raised allegations dating to 2021 that administrative employees were paid overtime for hours they had not worked and asked what systemic changes GFD implemented to prevent improper overtime payments.

Fire Chief Darren Burrier responded that uniformed personnel up to deputy chief work a regular 120‑hour schedule and that command of the day arrangements require chiefs to pull 24‑hour shifts; when a chief is off‑island or coverage is required, additional command staff fill in, which can generate overtime. He said overtime beyond 120 hours must be justified and that he has implemented scheduling adjustments for command staff to align administrative and on‑duty hours.

Burrier said the department does not have an immediate, ready figure for command‑staff overtime and agreed to provide the committee with detailed overtime numbers and supporting payroll documentation. The committee emphasized the need for specificity and documentation during audit work.

No formal findings or votes were taken during the hearing; the committee asked GFD to provide the overtime breakdown for FY2025 and FY2026 budgeted overtime for command staff.