Guam’s Blas files candidacy for senator

Senator Frank F. Blas Jr. files his candidacy paperwork at the Guam Election Commission. (Contributed Photo)

GUAM—Senator Frank F. Blas Jr. launched his re-election campaign by filing his candidacy paperwork at the Guam Election Commission.

“It has been an honor to serve our community and I look forward to continuing my work assisting all of the people of Guam,” Blas said.

Blas (R-Barrigada) has dedicated his life to protecting and serving our community. He has served as a Senator in the 29th, 30th, 31st and 33rd Guam Legislatures. Prior to assuming office, Blas was Guam’s Homeland Security Advisor and has led an extraordinary effort to protect the island, America’s Westernmost Frontier, from terrorist attacks. He is credited for having built the Office of Homeland Security to what it is today, established lasting relationships with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and local military partners and opened the lines of communication among all law enforcement on Guam. Among other key achievements, his leadership led to Weapons of Mass Destruction Training to more than 5,000 residents and a SARS Response Plan that was so precise and effective, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control adopted it as the national template and standard.

Blas started his public safety career as a police officer with the Guam Police Department where he served for 13 years as a patrol officer, homicide investigator, narcotics investigator, special investigations leader and drug investigations trainer. Blas continued his education by attending courses and trainings with the Department of Justice, the National Office of Justice Programs, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Prevention Network, and FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute. He taught criminal justice classes at the Guam Community College, educating students who were pursuing law enforcement careers. In his six years as a law enforcement teacher, Blas taught many of today’s public safety officers who started their careers at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA), the Guam Customs Academy and the Guam Police Academy. Frank is involved with many community organizations. He served as President/CEO for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Guam, founded Inetnon Manhoben, Inc., a community-oriented drug prevention organization. Senator Blas founded the Guam War Survivors Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to honoring those who suffered and survived Guam’s occupation during World War II. He also serves as a board member with the Ayuda Foundation of Guam.

Blas is also an insurance broker, business consultant, and vice president of a family owned and operated business (Frank Blas & Associates, Inc.) that he started with his father, former lieutenant governor Frank F. Blas. He is married to the former Tillie Carmen Reyes.