Crime & Safety
Watsonville Names Rudy Lopez Sr. As New Fire Chief
The 55-year-old veteran firefighter has served the Watsonville Fire Department and community for over 29 years.

WATSONVILLE, CA — After serving two months as interim Fire Chief for the Watsonville Fire Department, Rudy Lopez Sr. has officially been named to the top spot. The 55-year-old veteran firefighter has served the Watsonville Fire Department and community for over 29 years, starting as a reserve in 1990 and most recently as Division Chief and Fire Marshal. Former Watsonville Fire Chief Pablo Barreto moved on to serve the Salinas Fire Department in March.
"We are excited to serve our community under his leadership and support and we look forward to the new path we are following with Chief Lopez," the Watsonville FD said on social media Tuesday morning. "In addition to his extensive experience in the fire service, he is a community oriented leader taking time to mentor local youth and share his life story with them."
A familiar face in Watsonville, Lopez and his wife have been married 39 years and have three children who grew up in the city. Their son, Rudy, serves as a police officer in Watsonville.
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