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Pastor Jesús Sevilla Officially Sworn In as Fire Chaplain of the City of Paterson
In a Historic and Well-Attended Ceremony, more than 100 people attended the official event held this Tuesday at Paterson Fire Headquarters.
Paterson, New Jersey, April 7, 2026. In an emotional and meaningful ceremony held today at Paterson Fire Headquarters, Pastor Jesús Sevilla was officially sworn in as Fire Chaplain of the City of Paterson, in an event led by Mayor André Sayegh, the City Council, and the Paterson Fire Department.
The ceremony took place at 11:00 a.m. at Paterson Fire Headquarters, located at 300 McBride Avenue, Paterson, New Jersey.
This appointment marks a moment of profound significance for both the city and the Hispanic community, as Pastor Jesús Sevilla was recognized as the first Peruvian in Passaic County and the first Latino to serve as Fire Chaplain in the City of Paterson, establishing a historic milestone of faith, service, and community representation.
The event drew more than 100 attendees and brought together local officials, members of the Paterson Fire Department, representatives of Christian churches, members of the media, and the general public, in a clear demonstration of community support and recognition for the spiritual leadership and pastoral service of Jesús Sevilla. A large group from the Peruvian community was also present to stand with and support their fellow countryman during this historic occasion.
According to the event program, the ceremony included Battalion Chief Michael Trommelen serving as master of ceremonies, the invocation delivered by Monsignor Eugene (Geno) Sylva, remarks by Mayor André Sayegh, Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea, and Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale, as well as the official administration of the oath by the mayor. The ceremony concluded with remarks by Reverend Dr. Jesús Sevilla.
The day underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen the ties between public institutions, spiritual leadership, and grassroots communities in a diverse city like Paterson, where faith, service, and community vocation continue to hold an essential place in public life.
This event not only honored the trajectory and service of Pastor Jesús Sevilla, but also reaffirmed the value of Latino representation in institutional roles of service, opening a new chapter in the civic and spiritual history of the city.
In addition, Reverend Dr. Jesús Sevilla, a native of Peru, relocated to the United States in 1986. He is the founder of several institutions and currently serves as Senior Pastor of IJMS Church, as well as Founder and Vice President of COLAPA. Dr. Sevilla holds a Doctorate in Theology and serves in a chaplaincy role within a pastoral supervision and psychotherapy program at Hackensack Meridian Health Center in North Bergen, New Jersey. He has also earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health.
Dr. Sevilla has extensive experience in marriage and family counseling. He has been married to Margarita Sevilla for 35 years, and together they have two children and four grandchildren.
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