LOS ANGELES — Nearly six months after the Palisades Fire devastated Pacific Palisades, City Councilwoman Traci Park on Tuesday, July 1, honored Col. Eric Swenson for leading what officials called the “fastest, safest and most community-integrated” debris removal operation in the state’s history.

During a presentation in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Park said the Jan. 7 fire dramatically changed life for Pacific Palisades residents, killing 12 people and destroying 6,837 structures, including more than 5,400 homes, 135 multi-family buildings and 160 commercial properties.

“At that moment, it was hard to imagine how we would even begin to recover,” said Park, who represents the 11th Council District, including Pacific Palisades and other coastal neighborhoods. “But then came the United States Army Corps of Engineers, led by Col. Eric Swenson.”

The Army Corps cleared fire debris in February from homes and other community sites, and also aided in the Eaton Fire cleanup in Altadena, another area destroyed by January’s wildfires.

“But what really sets Col. Swenson apart, what earned him the love and respect of so many in the Palisades wasn’t just how fast he got the work done. It was how he showed up,” Park said.

Park shared a special video message with Swenson and those in attendance. In the message, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who serves as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Army, thanked Swenson for his “outstanding leadership” and announced Swenson will be reassigned to command the Corps’ North Atlantic Division.

The North Atlantic Division is one of nine permanent divisions within the Corps, serving as headquarters for the Northeastern United States and Europe, with offices in Massachusetts, New York City and Wiesbaden, Germany, among other locations.

“Your team cleared debris, repaired infrastructure and restored essential services, but that’s exactly what you trained for. What really sets you apart is the trust you built with the community,” Driscoll said in his video message. “…Your approach says so much about the kind of person and leader you are.”

“Our Corps of Engineers are often the first to engage devastated, recovering communities, and we need compassionate leaders like you. So, thank you, Col. Swenson. I wish you and your family all the best as you move to command the North Atlantic Division,” he added.

Swenson wiped away tears as he received praise from Park and other council members.

“For those of you who know me, you know I’m not usually short on words, and I gravitate toward the mic,” Swenson said.

“I’m honored to be here today. I’m honored to be here in this community for the past going on five and half months. I’ll miss L.A. You’ve been through a lot, but the future is bright, and I hope to come back soon and watch the phoenix rise from the ashes.