By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) yesterday announced more than $1 million in federal funding to upgrade and modernize the Verdugo Fire Communications Center, a key emergency operations center (EOC) that coordinates information, resources, and decision-making during large-scale disasters or emergencies.
The Verdugo Fire Communications Center serves as the nerve center for emergency response across 13 cities in Los Angeles County, which include Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, San Gabriel, Montebello, Monterey Park, Alhambra, South Pasadena, San Marino, Monrovia, Arcadia, and West Covina. The Center also dispatches fire resources for the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
The center served more than 944,000 residents across 13 cities and took 2,121 emergency calls on the first day of the Eaton fire.
“Last year’s devastating wildfires show that Los Angeles cannot afford to skimp out on investments to our emergency response systems. I’m proud to have fought for this new $1 million investment to help pull our emergency communications infrastructure out of the 70’s, and into the modern age,” said Friedman.
“Let me be clear: this is just the start. As Los Angeles gears up to face the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics, and a year-round fire season, I will continue to bring back federal investments that keep Angelenos safe and make life more affordable by bringing our tax dollars home,” she added.
Friedman has been instrumental in bringing federal funds and legislation to shore up critical infrastructure operations throughout the county. This includes her November 2025 bipartisan legislation, the Safe and Affordable Transit Act, which would improve safety and restore affordability on America’s public transportation systems.
Joining Friedman at the announcement yesterday were Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-South Glendale, East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles), and several fire and police officials, along with city managers.
“As local budgets are stretched thin and as our state continues to face an affordability crisis, every federal dollar invested in our state and local communities is a dollar saved for our roads, healthcare, parks, students, and schools. This federal investment, secured by Congresswoman Friedman, is a win for local taxpayers,” said Caloza.
“For decades now, the Verdugo Fire Communications Center has served more than 944,000 residents across Los Angeles County. When disaster strikes, they are the unseen heroes on the other end of the line, turning a phone call for help into swift, lifesaving action. This funding of more than one million dollars will be essential in Glendale’s efforts to modernize critical emergency dispatch technology,” she added.
