The City of Chicopee is located at the confluence of the Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers in southwestern Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley. Settled in the 1600’s, Chicopee is an old Yankee mill town that has grown into a bustling city with a modern, international character. In the historic center of the city you might find a Polish bakery, Portuguese import shop and an Irish pub comfortably located next to a familiar national restaurant chain. The friendly "hello" that will greet you upon entering any of Chicopee’s establishments is likely to have a Chinese, Russian, Spanish or French accent. Elsewhere in the city the international theme is repeated in an equally exciting and diverse mix of people, business, and industry. The miles of riverbank offer spectacular views and recreational opportunities. Chicopee is also the home of Westover Air Reserve Base.

Chicopee City Hall is the center for city government. Incorporated as a town in 1848 and as a city in 1890, it is governed by a Mayor and Board of Aldermen. City Hall, located in downtown Chicopee Center, was designed by Charles B. Parker and built in 1871. It is widely believed to have been modeled after a building at Plaza Vecchio in Florence, Italy. The slender, almost whimsical, brick clock tower is visible from miles away.

The word "Chicopee" has been interpreted to mean "Birch Bark Place." Other interpretations are "Place of the Elms," and "Turbulent Waters." The Nipmuck Indians were the Algonquin tribe that gave Chicopee its name.

The Chicopee Fire Department protects the lives and property of the residents of the City of Chicopee from the adverse effects of fires, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions. It is responsible for fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical transportation, and hazardous material mitigation. It consists of 140 career members staffing six engine companies, three aerial ladder trucks, and two ambulances housed in six fire stations throughout the city.

The residents of Chicopee recognize the commitment and the sacrifices that the men and women of our city have given in the armed services. Chicopee’s Veterans Services offers benefits for Chicopee residents who have had wartime service and who have financial need. The Front Street Veterans Memorial Plaza contains the World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam monuments. Future plans are to establish a Civil War Monument to complete the plaza.

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