Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. Appoints Javier Lopez as Fire Chief of Waterbury
WATERBURY, CT – Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. has announced the appointment of Assistant Fire Chief Javier Lopez as the new Chief of the Waterbury Fire Department. Chief Lopez brings over 36 years of professional firefighting experience to the role, including the last 16 years as a chief officer within the department. He has served as acting fire chief since the retirement of Chief Terrence J. Ballou on May 30.
“Chief Lopez is a proven leader who has risen through the ranks of our department,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “He has earned the respect of his peers and understands both the operational needs and the community values of Waterbury. His depth of experience, leadership skills, and commitment to public safety make him the right choice to lead the department forward.”
Chief Lopez joined the Waterbury Fire Department in 1989 and has held a range of leadership positions, including Deputy Chief of Operations and Director of Communications. Since 2019, he has served as Assistant Chief, working alongside Chief Ballou to oversee departmental planning, budget development, and mutual aid coordination.
Throughout his career, Chief Lopez has demonstrated a strong command presence in emergency situations, an ability to build morale within the department, and a commitment to professionalism and service.
Lopez holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology and Administration from Naugatuck Valley Community College. He is a certified Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor, and Fire Marshal in the State of Connecticut, and he is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.
Chief Lopez will be officially sworn in by Mayor Pernerewski during a ceremony, with the date to be announced in the coming days.
The Waterbury Fire Department is composed of 235 members across nine engine companies, three ladder companies, one heavy rescue company, and three bureaus. The department responds to approximately 22,000 calls for assistance each year and operates on a $25 million budget.
“Serving this department and the people of Waterbury has been the honor of my life,” said Chief Lopez. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Chief Ballou and those before him.”