Passing the Baton: Roselle FD Bids Farewell to Chief Laba, Welcomes Chief Perez

Roselle Fire Department Passes the Torch to Chief Perez

The room at Roselle Borough Hall filled with laughter, tears, and cheers on June 24, as neighbors, firefighters, and borough officials gathered to mark the end of one era and the beginning of another for the Roselle Fire Department.

The occasion was the retirement of Chief Christopher Laba, who served the department for 26 years, and the formal welcome of his successor, Chief Adrian Perez. Union County Life covered the event as part of its ongoing coverage of Roselle's public safety community.

Laba's tenure stretched across more than two decades of calls, promotions, and changes within the department. He had spoken openly about the firefighters who came up under his watch. "These six individuals represent the future of the Roselle Fire Department," Laba said at an earlier council meeting, referencing a group of members he had promoted. That future now belongs to Perez.

Perez is no stranger to the work or to Roselle. A 19-year veteran of the department, he was sworn in as the borough's first Hispanic Deputy Chief before ascending to the top post. His path through the ranks reflects the same department he now leads.

The June 24 ceremony at Borough Hall marked the official handoff, drawing colleagues and community members who came to mark both a farewell and a new beginning for the department headquartered at 725 Chestnut Street.

Find more Roselle events, public safety coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Who is the new fire chief of Roselle, NJ?
Adrian Perez is the new Fire Chief of the Roselle Fire Department. He is a 19-year veteran of the department who previously served as Deputy Chief, the first Hispanic officer to hold that rank in Roselle.

How long did Chief Laba serve the Roselle Fire Department?
Christopher Laba served the Roselle Fire Department for 26 years before retiring. His retirement ceremony was held on June 24 at Roselle Borough Hall.

Where is the Roselle Fire Department located?
The Roselle Fire Department is located at 725 Chestnut Street in Roselle, NJ. For non-emergency inquiries, the department can be reached at 908-245-8600. For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Who was Roselle's first Hispanic fire chief?
Adrian Perez, who had already made history as the borough's first Hispanic Deputy Chief, is now the Fire Chief of the Roselle Fire Department following the retirement of Chief Christopher Laba.