City of Montebello

On behalf of the City of Montebello Fire Department, I want to welcome you to our website.It is with great pride to share valuable information on a wide-range of services that our Department offers. Our Department is an “all-risk” organization that responds to a wide-range of needs in our community, these services are provided by highly dedicated, compassionate and skillful fire personnel.

Our Department continues to grow and develop, seeking innovated best-practices to better serve you. We currently utilize a system of eight (8) divisions that that include the: 1) Community Risk Reduction Division, 2) Fire Operations Division, 3) Fire Community Services & Outreach Division, 4) Training Division, 5) EMS Division, 6) Public Safety Communications Division, 7) Emergency Operations Center (EOC)/Disaster Resilience Division and 8) Fire Administration.

As your Fire Chief, I strive to lead a Department that is founded on professionalism, compassion, integrity, innovation and service. That our daily motto is to “We work to serve anyone in our community”. This has been fundamental of “Why I do what I do” to support building a better and safer community where we can all thrive and achieve wellness.

I am humbled and thankful to be serving as your Fire Chief, alongside an outstanding group of professionals that ensure our Department is functioning to its fullest potential. There is no greater privilege than serving the City of Montebello and its residents.

Fernando Peláez, Fire Chief

Department Description

As the Montebello Fire Department is an “all–risk” organization, Montebello Fire & Rescue responds to the needs of the community regardless of the nature of the incident. Our Department continues to grow and develop, seeking innovated best-practices to better serve you. We currently utilize a system of eight (8) divisions that that include the: 1) Community Risk Reduction Division, 2) Fire Operations Division, 3) Fire Community Services & Outreach Division, 4) Training Division, 5) EMS Division, 6) Public Safety Communications Division, 7) Emergency Operations Center (EOC)/Disaster Resilience Division and 8) Fire Administration. Our Divisions are comprised by innovated strategic approaches and non-traditional models to provide higher standards of service the Montebello community. The Department has a total of 76 full-time employees (FTE) and four part-time employees (PTE).

The Department has six apparatus: three type 1 engines, one tractor drawn aerial truck, one brush engine, and one Cal-OES fire engine. Call volume runs approximately 8,000 annually, and has been trending upward with a 17% increase from 2013 to 2018, and a 9% projected increase in 2021. MFD follows a firefighter/paramedic model, and thus the Department is the first responder for all emergency medical service (EMS) needs; the City contracts with an ambulance service for EMS transport. Dispatch services are provided by Verdugo Fire Communications Services (VFCC) which answers calls for 13 local agencies.

The Fire Administration Division: This division responsible for the oversight and direction of all activities within the fire department including fire suppression, emergency medical services, communications, community and outreach services and prevention activities. Supervision of department staff, coordination of activities with other departments, completion of complex assignments and staff support to the City Manager and City Council is included. This Division oversees budget management, personnel, human resources and payroll administration and organizational development of Fire Department staff.

The Fire Department budget comes from the City's General Fund, Fee-for-Service and project-specific funding from grants, such as FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, CalWater, San Gabriel Valley Council of City Governments (SGVCOG), San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust (SGVRHT), Gateway Cities Council of Governments (Gateway COG), and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Organizational Chart

Mission: "Committed to excellence, united in purpose, driven by duty, and ready to serve - we proudly protect the citizens of Montebello with professionalism, integrity, and honor"

Department Motto: "Proudly serving the City of Montebello since 1922"

Vision Statement: Community focused, value centered.

Core Values: The Montebello Fire Department achieves its mission by building upon a system of values. We uphold Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, Service, Honesty, Stewardship and Courteousness as our core values.

Montebello Fire Department Org Chart 2024

Strategic Plan

The Montebello Fire Department is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and providing exceptional service to our community. Our FY 2026/27 – 2028/29 Strategic Plan serves as the Department's roadmap for achieving these goals by establishing clear priorities, measurable objectives, and long-term strategies that strengthen emergency response, community engagement, organizational excellence, and fiscal sustainability. Developed through extensive collaboration with department personnel, community members, and stakeholders, the plan reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and preparing for the evolving needs of the City of Montebello.

The Strategic Plan focuses on six key priorities: strengthening recruitment and leadership development; enhancing internal communication and organizational culture; expanding community risk reduction and emergency preparedness; modernizing fire stations, apparatus, and training infrastructure; improving personnel wellness and mental health support; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Together, these initiatives provide a practical framework for guiding decision-making, investing in our people and resources, and continuing to deliver high-quality, community-focused fire and emergency services.

Download the Montebello Fire Department FY 2026/27 – 2028/29 Strategic Plan (PDF)

Community Risk Assessment & Standards of Cover

The Montebello Fire Department's Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover (CRA + SOC) is a comprehensive analysis of the community's fire and life safety risks, emergency service demands, response capabilities, and future service needs. The report evaluates demographic trends, natural and human-caused hazards, emergency response performance, staffing, facilities, apparatus, and community vulnerabilities to ensure the Department is strategically positioned to provide the highest level of service while protecting lives, property, and the environment.

Developed using operational data, stakeholder input, community feedback, and nationally recognized fire service best practices, the Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover serves as a roadmap for continuous improvement. The report identifies opportunities to enhance emergency response, strengthen community risk reduction and preparedness, improve staffing and resource deployment, and guide future investments in personnel, facilities, and equipment. Together with the Department's Strategic Plan, it helps ensure the Montebello Fire Department remains proactive, data-driven, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Download the Montebello Fire Department Community Risk Assessment & Standards of Cover (PDF)

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City of Montebello's 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) provides a comprehensive strategy for identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks posed by natural and human-caused hazards. Developed in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements, the plan evaluates hazards such as earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, drought, high winds, power outages, cyber incidents, pandemics, and other emergencies that could impact the community. By identifying these risks and implementing proactive mitigation measures, the City is better prepared to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and the environment before disasters occur.

The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as an important guide for enhancing community resilience, improving emergency preparedness, and supporting long-term recovery efforts. It establishes mitigation goals and prioritized actions that help reduce future disaster impacts while maintaining eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding. Through ongoing planning, public engagement, and interagency collaboration, the City of Montebello remains committed to building a safer, more resilient community for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Download the City of Montebello 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF)

Fire Administration Office

1600 W. Beverly Blvd

Montebello, CA 90640

Fire Administration Office Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Fire Station 55 (HQ)

600 N. Montebello Blvd

Montebello, CA 90640

Fire Station 56

1166 S. Greenwood Ave

Montebello, CA 90640

Fire Station 57

2950 W Via Acosta

Montebello, CA 90640

Donald Cadena/Battalion Chief

Administration Division

(323) 887-1226

[email protected]