The Monterey Fire Department is adding new members to its ranks. Nine firefighter recruits will start an academy on January 9, 2017, to fill existing vacancies and several added positions. This group represents some significant achievements for the Department as it is the largest and most diverse group of Firefighter Recruits ever hired by the City of Monterey. “I am proud of the fact that we were able to find a highly qualified group of recruits,” said Chief Panholzer.