Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

This morning 25-year department veteran Julio Lopes was sworn in to take on the role of Captain the department's Training and EMS Division.  Also sworn in were Firefighter/Paramedics Connor Healy and Wilson Rodriguez, who now join the department following 17 weeks of firefighter training at the Connecticut Fire Academy.

 

In remarks at a ceremony before about 75 people, Chief Gary Merwede noted that as a member of his administrative staff, Capt. Lopes will oversee the completion of the department's medical software conversion, maintain departmental records, secure inventory, and manage and direct departmental training initiatives

Chief Merwede continued, "A happy coincidence is that on the same day we swear in two paramedics as certified firefighters who graduated this past Wednesday from the Connecticut Fire Academy after 17 weeks, we are also swearing in a new Training Officer, Julio Lopes."  Capt. Lopes is a U.S. Army veteran and a 25-year department member with 16 years as a fire officer, "a solid and respected company leader who will be managing and overseeing our training and EMS efforts."

 

In keeping with department goals and long term planning for education and community engagement in the fire service, and as a member of his administrative staff, Chief Merwede has designated Capt. Lopes to be the department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.  He noted further, "[w]ith the passage of the fiscal '22-23 budget, funding has been made available to assist our departmental recruitment and education efforts in the Hamden Public Schools, community organizations, and special events.  Along with his other duties, Captain Lopes will oversee all of these efforts, a job that I know he looks forward to."

Mayor Lauren Garrett greeted Captain Lopes, the two recruits, their families, friends, and the active and retired firefighters who had assembled in the rotunda, noting the historic nature of Capt. Lopes' appoinment as the first department officer of color to head a staff division.  On behalf of the Town of Hamden, the Mayor wished all three the very best for a long and safe career.

Firefighter/Paramedic Connor Healy is a licensed paramedic, a U.S. Army veteran and current reservist, and comes to the Hamden Fire Department from the commercial ambulance service.  Ff. Healy will be assigned to Station 4 on Platoon 4.

Firefighter/Paramedic Wilson Rodriguez is a licensed paramedic who also sought a career in the professional fire service, transitioning from commercial EMS transport as well.  Ff. Rodriguez will be assigned to Station 2 on Platoon 3.

Concluding his remarks, Chief Merwede praised the two new firefighters, "During their 17 weeks at the Connecticut Fire Academy, Connor and Wilson performed at the top of their class, both academically and on the training grounds.  Phrases like ' . . .puts forth strong determination and above average effort in training . . . remains near the top of the class academically . . . and . . . routinely works beyond requirement' appear prominently on their evaluations."

 

The Hamden Fire Retirees Association congratulates Capt. Lopes on his promotion.  It's a big job and we wish you success in every facet of your new role.  We also congratulate Firefighters Healy and Rodriguez on their appointments and for the high marks they achieved in the academy.  We wish you both long, fulfilling, and safe careers with the Hamden Fire Department.