Vincent Junior Cruz was born November 22‚ 1970‚ in Tamuning‚ Guam. He was the youngest child of Vicente and Tomasa‚ with siblings Marvin‚ Frances‚ and LouAnn.

He spent his whole life on Guam. In June 1988‚ Vince graduated with a Vocational High School Diploma in technical electronics. In December 2007‚ he earned a Bachelor of Science in public administration from the University of Guam. During Vince’s youth and adulthood he participated in school and community sports that included armed/unarmed drill teams‚ volleyball‚ soccer‚ bowling‚ and baseball/softball. At the age of 18‚ Vince joined the Army Reserves with his MOS in Military Police. In December 1990‚ Vince was deployed with his unit and served his country in what is known as Desert Storm.

Vince met his wife‚ AnnMarie‚ in August 1987. He proposed to AnnMarie every year they were dating and did not give up until they married in December 1990. He was so in love with his wife that he married her again in December 2000. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2010. Vince was surrounded by numerous nieces and nephews who adored him and in many ways looked to him for advice and moral support.

After his return from deployment‚ Vince spent a number of years working for the private sector. In January 1993‚ Vince earned a certificate in fire science technology from Guam Community College‚ immediately starting his career. He joined the ranks of one of Guam’s finest and became a Guam firefighter. Vince dedicated 19 years of his life as a firefighter‚ with his first assignment at Engine Company 11 Talofofo Fire Station‚ with many rotations in between‚ and his final duty with Engine Company 12 Astumbo Fire Station.

Vince was tall and had a very serious demeanor. Some thought‚ what a giant! In reality‚ he was the most patient and gentle person. He enjoyed playing pranks‚ making jokes‚ and just having fun. Vince enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a very passionate firefighter who loved helping people‚ teaching all he knew‚ and learning along the way. Vince’s family and friends will always remember him as a humble and dedicated son‚ sibling‚ uncle‚ husband‚ and firefighter who made a difference.

On September 28‚ 2011‚ Vince reported to work and responded to a full day and night of medic runs‚ with his last run logged in at 12:45 midnight. Then‚ during the early morning of September 29‚ 2011‚ before being relieved of duty‚ Vince passed away. In some sense‚ Vince is still doing what he does best; although his soul is gone‚ his heart and spirit look over his fellow firefighters.