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Firefighter Will Perez became Lt. Will Perez Tuesday — with the help of Assistant Chief Will Perez.
The Will Perez (right in photo) who became a lieutenant — Will Perez Jr. —works for the New Haven Fire Department. He became a lieutenant at a ceremony at fire headquarters, filling a space vacated by newly retired firefighter Kevin Owens.
Will Perez Sr. (pictured at left) pinned the badge on the new lieutenant at the ceremony. Senior is an assistant chief in the East Hartford FD.
Badges have been proliferating through the family ranks: Three weeks ago, Sr.‘s wife, and Perez’s stepmother, Moria Perez, became a lieutenant in the Manchester’s fire department.
“He deserves it,” Will Sr., who has 20 years in the East Hartford department, said of his son. “Hard work and study pays off. We’re on a roll!”
Seated: Julia, Adrianna, Lt. Will Jr., and Joseph Perez. Standing: Lt. Moria Perez and Asst. Chief Will Sr.
Will Sr. got started as a paramedic in Bridgeport, where he raised Will Jr. Will Jr. also started out as a paramedic — with his dad as his instructor at Capitol Community College.
Will Jr. has been on the New Haven department just four years, climbing the ranks fast.
“It was very humbling,” he said of having his dad pin his badge Tuesday. “It was surreal.”
Congratulations to Lt. Perez! I don't know the family but its great to see a growing family tradition of firefighting and public service. New Haven is lucky to have Will Perez Jr. in its ranks -- I hope to see big things in his future!