Monterey Park : Fire Chief Page Resigns

Fire Chief James O. Page, who in September faced criticism for internal Fire Department memos that included unfavorable comments about local politicians, has resigned effective Jan. 13.

The controversy that erupted over public disclosure of the memos, Page said, had nothing to do with his departure after nearly three years as chief. Page said he was leaving to produce, direct and write a series of videotapes on family health and safety.

“I always worked in this job (as fire chief) because it was something I truly wanted to do,” Page said.

But Page, who started his career as a firefighter in Monterey Park and later became a battalion chief in the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said the recent contract offer from American Telecast Corp. in Malibu to produce the videotape was too good to pass up. Page added that he believed he has accomplished the goals he established when he became Monterey Park’s chief. A key goal, he said, was raising the professional standards of the department.

Page, 52, is the owner and publisher of three nationally circulated magazines, based in Solano Beach, that focus on the fire protection, emergency services and rescue fields. A first-aid videotape he produced last year, he said, already has recorded $3.4 million in sales.