Watsonville Fire Department announces new chief

The Watsonville Fire Department has announced that Interim Fire Chief Rudy Lopez has been appointed as the new fire chief.

Lopez has been with the Fire Department for more than 29 years. He started as a reserve in 1990, and most recently, he served as division chief and fire marshal.

The Fire Department says he is a community-oriented leader who takes time to mentor youth. They said they are excited to serve the Watsonville community under his leadership.

The last chief was hired by the Salinas Fire Department.