Earlier this week the Upton Board of Selectmen approved promoting Bonnie Lopez to Lieutenant. Bonnie has 22 years of service with the Upton Fire Department; 15 years as a career firefighter.
When Deputy Chief Dick Henderson retired it was determined not to replace his position but instead reorganize the department. Chief Marchand was moved to second in command and Dan Lazarz was promoted to Captain which left an opening for lieutenant. Chief Goodale said they decided not to replace the Deputy Chief position because, “captains allow more flexibility.” Captains are able to ride/work with the company and direct, where a chief arrives at the scene and coordinates. Chief Goodale said, “In a small town you need that flexibility.”
The position was posted by the town and was open for any firefighter to apply. The interview process involved a written test and oral assessment. Chief Goodale of Upton, Chief Norris of Northampton, and Chief Kessler of Uxbridge administered the oral assessment where they presented a fire scenario and the applicants explained how they would handle the scenario. Bonnie scored the highest combined score of all applicants.
Bonnie brings to the department experience, education, and training. Bonnie has completed many Pro Board certifications which qualify her to be a company officer including Firefighter 1 & 2, Fire Officer 1, and Fire Instructor 1; she also has associates degree. Bonnie is a certified Safe Officer and is probably the most recognizable firefighter around town. She has been running the Safe program for a long time now and visits Memorial School and United Parish in Upton once a month to educate the children on fire safety.
Congratulations Lieutenant Lopez.
UPTON DAILY 
Yay Bonnie! Way to go! Good things happen to great people. Congratulations on your new position as Lieutenant!