Monterey honors Fire Chief Andrew Miller as he retires after restoring department and expanding paramedic services

Monterey — The Monterey City Council on Tuesday honored Fire Chief Andrew Miller as he announced his retirement effective Dec. 30, 2025, praising his role in rebuilding the department, fostering intercity collaboration and advancing paramedic services.

Mayor Williamson and staff introduced a formal recognition of Miller’s 35 years in the fire profession and his two periods as Monterey’s fire chief. City staff member Hans described Miller’s leadership in negotiating shared-service arrangements with neighboring cities and the airport district, citing budget-savings and operational benefits that reduced duplicated administration and strengthened regional fire protection.

"When the chief came here the first time around, we were all a little astonished that here is a chief who would become an assistant chief," Hans said in remarks summarized by staff, highlighting Miller’s willingness to reshape services and build partnerships. Miller returned to the department during a recent staffing crisis and led a restructuring that staff said left the department with a stronger command team and a paramedic program that expanded ambulance-level (advanced life support) capacity in Monterey.

In prepared remarks, Chief Miller reflected on his decision to serve a second time and thanked colleagues, the command staff, the department’s executive team and his wife, Carol. "Serving as your fire chief for the second time has been the greatest honor of my career," Miller said, noting the department ‘‘is strong, highly capable, resilient, and well positioned for the future." He endorsed Chief Moore and the department’s leadership team to continue the work.

Councilmembers offered tributes at the meeting, citing Miller’s leadership during the recession and more recent department reforms. "You put us back on track and provided for us all the opportunity to enjoy the great services that the fire department offers our residents," said Councilmember Garcia.

Members of the public also used a limited public-comment period devoted to the retirement to thank Miller for responsiveness and community engagement. Several residents and neighborhood association leaders described Miller as accessible and credited the department’s improved responsiveness to his leadership.

The council staged a brief photo opportunity and will accept a ceremonial challenge coin presentation in keeping with fire-service tradition. Miller’s retirement date — Dec. 30, 2025 — was announced during his remarks; staff said Chief Moore and the department’s executive team will lead operations going forward.

The city did not take any policy action related to staffing or budget in the recognition item. For procedural follow-up, staff will work with the department on transition and community notifications before Miller’s final day.