Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park honored Col. Eric Swenson on Tuesday for leading what officials called the "fastest, safest and most community-integrated" debris removal operation in California history following the devastating Palisades Fire. The recognition ceremony at City Hall comes as Swenson prepares to leave Los Angeles for a new assignment commanding the Army Corps of Engineers' North Atlantic Division.
The January 7 fire killed 12 people and destroyed 6,837 structures across Pacific Palisades, including more than 5,400 homes. Nearly six months later, the community gathered to thank the colonel who led the massive cleanup effort that has removed over 657,500 tons of debris.
During Tuesday's presentation in the Council Chambers, Park praised Swenson's approach to the recovery mission, which began in February and also included cleanup operations for the Eaton Fire in Altadena1.
"At that moment, it was hard to imagine how we would even begin to recover," said Park, who represents the coastal district that includes Pacific Palisades. "But then came the United States Army Corps of Engineers, led by Col. Eric Swenson"1.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll appeared in a special video message, announcing Swenson's promotion to command the North Atlantic Division, one of nine permanent divisions within the Corps1. "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 said1.
The Army Corps deployed over 100 crews that cleared more than 50 lots daily during the height of operations1. According to Park's office, the debris volume removed was equivalent to more than six aircraft carriers or enough Ford F-150 trucks to stretch from Santa Monica to Dodge City, Kansas1.
The operation addressed 13,579 parcels eligible for cleanup, with contractors processing thousands of right-of-entry agreements from property owners1. The Corps also completed debris removal at the Palisades Branch Library 24 days ahead of schedule2.
Swenson, visibly emotional during the ceremony, acknowledged the community's resilience while preparing for his departure to Massachusetts, where the North Atlantic Division maintains headquarters1.
"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," Swenson said1.
