The City of Watsonville has appointed Corey Schaefer, a 27-year veteran of the department, as the new Fire Chief following the retirement of Chief Rudy López.
“After a thoughtful and thorough recruitment process, Corey emerged as the clear choice to lead the department,” said City Manager Tamara Vides. “Corey has served as Acting Fire Chief over the past several months, during which he demonstrated strong leadership, deep operational knowledge, and the ability to move the department forward. His commitment to our firefighters, our organization, and the Watsonville community makes him the right fit for this role.”
Chief Schaefer brings nearly three decades of dedicated service to the City of Watsonville Fire Department. He was hired as a Reserve Firefighter in June 1998 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Firefighter II, Paramedic/Firefighter II, Fire Captain, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, and, most recently, Acting Fire Chief beginning in August 2025.
"I am honored to have been selected as the next fire chief of the City of Watsonville Fire Department. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, both professionally and personally, and helped prepare me for this role, especially my wife Erin, for her unwavering support throughout my career,” said newly appointed Fire Chief Schaefer. “I greatly respect the relationships I share with our community, city staff, and firefighters who serve 24/7. This is a remarkable organization with a rich history dating back to 1861, and as we honor that legacy, we will continue to advance to meet the modern challenges of firefighting.”
During his career, Chief Schaefer was among the first group of paramedic/firefighters hired when the department implemented Advanced Life Support services, which significantly expanded emergency medical care in the community. He also led the department’s fleet purchasing and design team, introducing greater uniformity across fire apparatus.
Chief Schaefer has extensive experience in large-scale emergency response, having led multiple strike team deployments to major wildland fires across California. In addition to his operational experience, he is deeply invested in firefighter development and wellness. He trains aspiring firefighters in leadership fundamentals through the Santa Cruz County Training Officers Association. Currently, he serves as the Chief Liaison on the Santa Cruz County Firefighters Health and Wellness Committee and as a member of the countywide PEER Support Network for first responders.
Chief Schaefer will officially assume the role of Fire Chief on January 1, 2026, marking a new chapter for the Watsonville Fire Department, as it continues its long-standing tradition of service and prepares to meet the community's evolving needs.