The Monterey Fire Department has been serving the citizens of Monterey since 1882 when the first brigade was established by a group of citizens to render aid when fires occurred. The fire department was chartered by the City in 1890 and officially came under the City and Chief William E. Parker was appointed fire chief. Chief Parker would go on to be come the oldest fire chief in the nation, serving in the position of fire chief from 1890 till his retirement in 1942.

The fire administration has a mini historic display in the reception office, displaying some of the fire departments early equipment and badge collection dating back to the 1800's. Also on display is a gallery of fire chiefs who have proudly served the City in that position. On display at fire station two on Hawthorne Street in is some of the department's early hand drawn fire apparatus and at fire station three on Dela Vina Street is the home of the 1916 Seagraves the fire departments first fire engine.

Acadia Publications will be releasing a book on the history of the Monterey Fire Department in July of 2012 which will cover 129 years the fire department has been serving the citizens.

The fire department is always looking for early equipment or pictures of the department to include badges, awards and parchments given to its earlier members to be placed on display. Please contact Mike Ventimiglia at Fire Administration at 831.646.3900 or email ventimig@ci.monterey.ca.us