With Monterey Police Chief Dave Hober retiring next month after nearly four decades in law enforcement and about 12 years with the City of Monterey, City Manager Dante Hall announced that Assistant Police Chief Mike Bruno will serve as interim police chief starting Nov. 16.
“Mike Bruno has risen through the ranks at the Monterey Police Department over the past two decades and brings operational knowledge, community trust and leadership to this interim role,” Hall said in a statement. “Our community’s safety is in steady and capable hands while we begin the recruitment process.”
Born and raised in San Jose, Bruno has served with the Monterey Police Department since 2005 and worn several hats, working in patrol, field training, investigations and supervisory roles. Bruno was promoted to sergeant in 2012—served as the Acting Commander of the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team— promoted to lieutenant in 2016, working in the investigations and special operations division, and promoted again to assistant chief in 2021.
In early November, the City of Monterey will begin a nationwide recruitment process, which is expected to conclude in early 2027. Bruno will serve as interim chief until a permanent replacement is appointed.