New Watsonville firefighters on duty

On Friday, the Watsonville Fire Department graduated one of its largest classes in history. Just days earlier, the city’s police department graduated its largest class ever.

Most of the seven new firefighters are from Santa Cruz County, so being able to serve in a community they serve so well, means so much.

“My career goal was to be a Watsonville firefighter,” Aaron Netzel said. “So this is quite a fulfilling day for me in particular. Not only being born here, but being raised here and still having family members in this area.”

They know there’s a chance they’ll help someone they know.

“We not only work in the city limits but we provide mutual aid to adjacent areas so there’s the realistic possibility of having to help your family or your friends,” William O’Brien said.

Firefighting is in Brian Long’s blood. The Santa Cruz native’s late father was also a firefighter. He says he already loves the community he is serving.

“The people down here are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever met in my life,” Long said. “Very down to earth, very hardworking people. And to be able to serve this community on a day to day basis as a career is a dream.”

And it’s your tax dollars at work. Six of the new firefighters are a direct result of Measure G funding. Not funded by Measure G is Watsonville Police Department’s newest hires who graduated on May 1.

“We graduated eight from the police academy on May 1,” Michael McKinley with WPD said. “We also hired one lateral officer that is joining them and is currently in training with them. and we have one additional officer already in the training program.”

Those recent graduates are filling in gaps from retirements and previous economic restraints. That’s not to say Measure G money isn’t going to the police department. Three other officers are joining the ranks this summer, with another officer coming on board every year.

“More officers out there will allow us to reduce our response times and be more proactive,” McKinley said.