Jennifer McGee began a new job at the San Marino Fire Department on Valentine’s Day, 2018, and her love affair with the position has never faltered. Shortly after the pandemic hit, McGee was named the city of San Marino’s employee of the year, but asked that the honor not be announced to the public. Until now, that is.
“Ms. McGee has demonstrated exceptional interest in getting team results in helping others on the fire department get the job completed,” said Fire Chief Mario Rueda. “She has become an integral part of the fire department team. She has earned the respect of the members of the fire department and of others in the city family.”
Technically, McGee is the SMFD’s administrative assistant, but her role includes many responsibilities beyond taking on the duties of receptionist, billing and payroll accounting, Rueda said. She is proficient in each of the fire department’s software packages, assists in generating the department’s monthly performance reports, assists Rueda with the management of the SMFD’s budget, manages the SMFD’s contribution to the city’s website, reviews and updates the SMFD’s internal purchasing processes, manages the Public Safety Committee Meeting agendas, minutes and recordings, and assists in the development of the SMFD’s weekly and annual reports, the chief said.
Rueda further acknowledged McGee’s effort to respond from her home on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, after hundreds of gallons of gasoline spilled into the Alhambra wash after a traffic accident occurred in Pasadena. Rueda said that McGee activated the city’s wireless emergency alert system, which advised residents along San Marino’s western border of the hazard. The alert warned nearby citizens to shelter in place while informing them that San Marino’s safety officials were aware of the situation.
McGee was also elected as vice president of the San Marino Employee’s Association and in May was awarded a special commendation from the San Marino City Manager Marcella Marlowe for her work on the San Marino Fire Department’s 2021 annual report.
“Jennifer has always been a reliable, honest, positive and a diligent employee,” Rueda said. “Her performance consistently surpasses my expectations, and she is a pleasure to work with.”
