WATSONVILLE—Watsonville Fire Department will soon take on a new firefighter/paramedic after he completed the 16-week training academy at Watsonville Fire Station No. 2 on Airport Boulevard on Dec. 2.
Adrian Chairez, of Santa Cruz, and three other trainees were officially presented with their badges at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, clearing the way for Chairez to step into action with WFD Monday.
“It was tough but I got a lot of support along the way and had great training,” he said. “I can tell you this: I feel now that I am a stronger person, both mentally and physically because of this training. This coaching, I believe, was the best in the state.”
WFD Chief Rudy Lopez said he felt strongly about the addition of Chairez.
“We are still four to five positions short of full staff, so this is a big step in the right direction,” Lopez said. “We hand-picked this gentleman and we’re confident he will be a big help. Getting paramedic training is a major hurdle for our trainees to become firefighters so we’re glad he comes on board with that training.”
Chairez said he worked as a paramedic previously with American Medical Response both locally and afar.
“I’m looking forward to serving this community,” Chairez said.
Lopez said the other trainees went on to join Central and Santa Cruz fire departments.
