Verdugo Fire Communications Center serves nearly 1 million Angelenos
GLENDALE, CA. — Today, March 12, 2026, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30), t announced a new $1,031,000 federal investment to upgrade and modernize the Verdugo Fire Communications Center. The center serves more than 944,000 residents across 13 cities and took 2,121 emergency calls on the first day of the Eaton fire.
A recording of the press announcement can be found here.
“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 Congresswoman Friedman (CA-30). “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.”
“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 Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, 52nd Assembly District (D-Los Angeles). “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.”
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.
Friedman has championed investments in public safety that are taxpayer wallet-friendly and help keep people safe. In November 2025, she introduced the bipartisan Safe and Affordable Transit Act, which would improve safety and restore affordability on America’s public transportation systems.
Representative Friedman was joined by Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brooks, Burbank Fire Chief Danny Alvarez, Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin, Glendale City Councilmembers Elen Asatryan and Dan Brotman, Pasadena Assistant City Manager Matt Hawkesworth, Glendale Association of Realtors representative Eddie Minassian, Glendale Community College Board Member Desiree Portillo Rabinov, and Glendale Community College Board President Yvette Vartanian Davis, Burbank City Manager Justin Hess, and Glendale Interim Police Chief Robert William.
Below: Friedman with first responders and local electeds.
Below: Friedman tours Verdugo Fire Communications Center facilities.