On March 31 The City of Monterey Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Gordon as Chief of Police for the Monterey Park Police Department and Matt Hallock as Fire Chief for the Monterey Park Fire Department. Both newly appointed chiefs will assume their positions effective immediately.

After the previous chief of police’s retirement, and the previous fire chief’s departure to another agency, Kelly Gordon and Matt Hallock immediately assumed an interim role to administer the operations of each department. Both excelled as second in command in their respective departments prior to the transition and succession planning has served the organization well.

“Each has demonstrated tremendous leadership during these uncertain times. They have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response, working to address local, regional, and statewide mandates to ensure the safety of our community. Both Chief Gordon and Chief Hallock are well-prepared to take the reins of the Police and Fire Departments and I pleased to announce their appointments to the position of Chief of Police and Fire Chief,” said City Manager Ron Bow. “I am confident that Chief Gordon and Chief Hallock will continue to work hard to keep the Monterey Park community safe.”

Kelly Gordon began her law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1996. In 2000, she transferred to the Montebello Police Department and progressed through the ranks working various assignments including Patrol, Investigations, Training and Personnel, and Administration. In January of 2017 she was hired by the Monterey Park Police Department as Captain of the Operations Division.

Gordon has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly University, Pomona and a Masters Degree in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. Most recently in 2019, she graduated from the FBI National Academy Class 277.

Matt Hallock began his fire service career with the Monterey Park Fire Department in 1994 as a Reserve Firefighter. In 1996, Hallock obtained a full-time position with Southern California Edison. Subsequently in 2002, he had an opportunity to return to the City of Monterey Park as a full-time Firefighter. He has worked in various capacities throughout his career including Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, and Fire Division Chief.

Hallock has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration, both from California State University, Long Beach. Most recently in 2019, he graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy.

Please welcome Chief Gordon and Chief Hallock to their new positions! When public gatherings can safely resume, a formal promotional ceremony will be planned.