El Segundo cites staffing gains, falling crime rates and rapid response to Chevron refinery fire
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Summary
Councilmember Michelle Kelldorf reported the police department reached budgeted staffing (67 sworn) after adding 20 officers, credited tactical deployments and a drone program for a 41% drop in property and person crimes and noted the El Segundo Fire Department worked with Chevron and mutual aid to extinguish an October 2 refinery fire.
Public safety took center stage at the State of the City when Councilmember Michelle Kelldorf outlined staffing increases, operational changes and emergency response outcomes.
Kelldorf said the police department welcomed 20 new officers this year, bringing sworn staffing to the department's budgeted level of 67. "This matters because proactive policing works," she said, and credited targeted deployments for a 41% decrease in property‑related crimes and crimes against persons through September 2025; vehicle theft, retail theft and burglaries declined nearly 47% since 2023.
The city has implemented a drone‑as‑first‑responder program to improve situational awareness during unfolding incidents and to support fire responses during major events. Kelldorf also cited public safety education programs — including e‑bike safety courses and a Community Police Academy — as part of prevention efforts.
Kelldorf and staff described the El Segundo Fire Department's October 2 response to a fire at the Chevron refinery, saying coordinated action between El Segundo Fire, Chevron on‑site teams and mutual aid partners extinguished the blaze quickly. The city emphasized that joint training and regular drills supported the rapid response.
She added that the city secured a federal grant, with support from Congressman Ted Lieu’s office, to enhance the emergency operations center and completed an updated local hazard mitigation plan.