Resident Tila Gregorian criticizes firing of Montbell fire chief during medical leave

During the Montebello City Council meeting on May 28, 2025, a resident raised significant concerns regarding the recent firing of the city’s fire chief while he was on medical leave. The speaker, Tila Gregorian, emphasized the legality of such an action, questioning whether it was appropriate to terminate an employee under these circumstances. "I always thought that was illegal to fire anyone on medical leave," she stated, urging the council to reconsider their decision.

Gregorian highlighted the fire chief's positive contributions to the city, expressing worry that the dismissal could lead to legal repercussions for the city. She also pointed out the potential health impacts of the city's environment, suggesting that the chief's illness may have been linked to the "toxic" conditions in Montebello.

In addition to her main point, Gregorian touched on broader issues affecting the community, expressing discomfort with recent changes in the city and questioning the legitimacy of the current council members, citing concerns about quorum during their appointments.

The discussion reflects growing unease among residents about city governance and environmental conditions, signaling a need for the council to address these pressing issues to maintain public trust and community well-being.