The City of Watsonville has named longtime firefighter Corey Schaefer as its next fire chief following the retirement of Chief Rudy López.
Schaefer, a 27-year veteran of the Watsonville Fire Department, has served as acting fire chief since August and was selected after a recruitment process led by city management.
“After a thoughtful and thorough recruitment process, Corey emerged as the clear choice to lead the department,” City Manager Tamara Vides said in a statement. She cited his leadership during his time as acting chief, as well as his operational experience and commitment to the department and the community.
Schaefer joined the Watsonville Fire Department in June 1998 as a reserve firefighter and advanced through the ranks over nearly three decades. His career includes service as Firefighter II, paramedic/firefighter, fire captain, division chief and battalion chief.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next fire chief of the City of Watsonville Fire Department,” Schaefer said. He thanked colleagues and family members for their support, particularly his wife, Erin, and said he looks forward to continuing to work with city staff, firefighters and the community.
Schaefer was among the first group of paramedic/firefighters hired when the department implemented Advanced Life Support services, expanding emergency medical care in Watsonville. He also led the department’s fleet purchasing and design efforts, helping standardize fire apparatus.
His experience includes leading strike team deployments to major wildland fires across California. In addition to emergency response work, Schaefer has been involved in firefighter training, health and wellness efforts, including teaching leadership fundamentals through the Santa Cruz County Training Officers Association. He currently serves as chief liaison to the Santa Cruz County Firefighters Health and Wellness Committee and participates in the county’s peer support network for first responders.
Schaefer will officially assume the role of fire chief on Jan. 1.
The announcement came one week after the city announced it had a new police chief.
