The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center welcomed its new director, Francisco Rivera, on Saturday.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim honored him during a ceremony in the 911 Center.

Rivera took over the role of Scott Appleby, who served for more than 30 years.

Rivera rose through the ranks as a dispatcher. He is from Bridgeport and says he is very proud to begin this new role.

"I want to make sure that everybody goes home at the end of the night -- our first responders, our municipal workers, as well, and I want to keep everybody safe,” he said." I like to think that Bridgeport is my own now, so that way, everyone knows that they're in good care and in good hands when I'm at the helm."