Monterey Park Councilmembers Hans Liang, Anthony Wong, Peter Chan, Mitch Ing and Teresa Real Sebastian joined City Manager Paul Talbot, City Clerk Vince Chang, City Treasurer Joseph Leon, Fire Chief Jim Birrell, Tommy Tseng from Congressmember Judy Chu’s office, Senator Ed Hernandez, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Suzie Hsi from Supervisor Gloria Molina’s office at the grand opening of Monterey Park’s Emergency Operations Center on July 17.  The newly construction building is across the street from Fire Station 61.

City Manager Paul Talbot welcomed everyone to this special event.

Members of the Monterey Park Fire Explorers presented the colors. They raised the flag that had been flown over the U S Capital and provided by Congressmember Judy Chu.

Captain Shannon Files led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Talbot introduced the Councilmembers, City Clerk, City Treasurer and special guests that included Tommy Tseng from Congressmember Judy Chu’s office, Senator Ed Hernandez, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Suzie Hsi from Supervisor Gloria Molina’s office, Fire Chief Jim Birrell, Police Chief Jim Smith, Dan Costly, Robert Quintero, Annie Yaung and Tom Cody.

Fire Chief Jim Birrell thanked Congressmember Judy Chu for the $502,000 grant to build this center. It was be used for disaster training and management training. The staff will be properly trained to handle mudslides and earthquakes in Monterey Park. He thanked Shannon Files, Lillian Bow, Yvette Becker, Randy Harper and his staff for the completion of this site.

Fire Chief Jim Birrell provided plaques of appreciation to Lillian Bow, Shannon Files, Jonathan Gin and Ricky Alvarez for their hard work for the success of the EOC.

Captain Matt Hallock said we need to be prepared not scared. They have offered five classes for CERT for emergency services. The city currently has four CERT teams. They will report to the EOC. This is a great day for the Fire Department and the CERT members. The next CERT class will be held in the late fall.

Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian welcomed everyone to this event. She is excited by the EOC. The Council voted 5 to 0 for this building. This is another good reason to live in Monterey Park. It is a day to celebrate. She thanked the fire chief and his staff for putting this EOC together.

Tommy Tseng from Congressmember Judy Chu’s office presented a proclamation to Jim Birrell and Teresa Real Sebastian. He congratulated the city for building this center.

Senator Ed Hernandez stated he was pleased to be here in Monterey Park. He thanked the city for this new EOC.  He thanked the Council, police chief and fire chief for keeping our city safe. The EOC will keep us prepared.  The trained staff will help us in an event of a disaster. He presented a proclamation to Jim Birrell and Teresa Real Sebastian.

Assemblymember Ed Chau stated he is delighted to be here to celebrate Monterey Park’s EOC. He thanked Congressmembers Judy Chu and Adam Schiff and the city for financing this center. It is the nerve center of the city. He presented a proclamation to Jim Birrell and Teresa Real Sebastian.

Suzie Hsi from Supervisor Gloria Molina’s office congratulated Monterey Park for the EOC. She commended the city for protecting the residents. She presented a proclamation to Jim Birrell and Teresa Real Sebastian.

Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Wong called it a great day for Monterey Park. In 2007 the Community Room was used as the Operating Center. They decided to build an EOC with the assistance of Congressmembers Judy Chu and Adam Schiff. It is for the people of Monterey Park. The staff working together with City Manger Paul Talbot to keep the residents safe. We are well prepared to keep the damage and loss minimal. We can handle all disasters. He thanked the staff and community.

Councilmember Hans Liang thanked all of the VIPs, employees and staff. He was an Eagle Scout “Be prepared”. The EOC is a better base of operations for the city. We should, as a community be better prepared. He thanked everyone for being here today.

Councilmember Peter Chan said our city comes together. We are prepared. We can be prepared but we can’t fight a major disaster. We are prepared with federal funds and training. He thanked everyone.

Councilmember Mitch Ing called the EOC a legacy for all of us. We will be remembered for our actions. He thanked everyone for coming to this celebration.

Fire Chief Jim Birrell said this center would have SMART classrooms connected to the Los Angeles area fire stations. A Homeland grant of $75,000 was added to the EOC so the staff could attend training session held at other locations. This is a unique form of training. He is excited about it.

The center was opened for a grand tour led by Fire Chief Jim Birrell.  The city management will work for the city from the EOC in the event of a major disaster.