Thirty-year veteran John Pacheco was named the Bermuda Fire Service's new Deputy Fire Chief on Thursday.

Dep. Chief Pacheco joined the Fire Service in 1972 and has moved steadily through the ranks.

Fire Chief Vincent Hollinsid told The Royal Gazette: "Mr. Pacheco comes very highly qualified for the post.

"He began his career at the Bermuda Fire Service in 1972 and he made leading fire fighter in 1977, Sergeant in 1984, Lieutenant in 1987 and Divisional Officer in 1988.

"Dep. Chief Pacheco has also completed fire officers courses in the UK, Canada and US."

The deputy chief said: "When I left school, I first became a labourer. I did that for a year until I decided to join the Fire Service."

Unlike many firefighters at that time he did not enter as a volunteer, he joined and received his training on the job.

He said: "My father was from the Azores and was not pleased with my decision because he thought it was too dangerous.

"However I joined anyway and I believe he would be proud of me now."

Dep. Chief Pacheco worked out of the old Boaz Island station and became a driving instructor for the Fire Service.

He is also a member of the New York State Association of Chief Fire Officers.