By Lookout Staff

November 18, 2011 -- The City of Santa Monica's Office of Emergency Management was honored for its exemplary work in "promoting emergency preparedness and emergency planning" by the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Thursday.

The department was among the "Heroes" honored at the 2nd Annual Heroes Breakfast at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles attended by some 400 Los Angeles-area business and civic leaders.

Emergency Services Coordinator Paul Weinberg from the Office of Emergency Management accepted the special Community Support Award on behalf of the City of Santa Monica.

"The fundraising and recognition event honored local businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership by taking an active role in disaster preparedness," Red Cross officials said. "These 'heroes' have helped make the Los Angeles area safer and better prepared in the event of disaster."

Actor, comedian and television personality David Spade received the 2011 National Heroes Award. Spade is a member of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and is a "generous and ongoing supporter of the humanitarian organization," according to Red Cross officials.

Most recently, Spade provided financial support to help the Red Cross serve those affected by the tornadoes that ripped across the Midwest and Southeast a few months ago.

Additional 2011 Community Heroes honorees included Los Angeles City (District 9) Councilwoman Jan Perry, Forever 21, Panda Restaurant Group and The Walt Disney Company for their continuing support of Red Cross disaster relief efforts.

Red Cross officials said attendance at the breakfast demonstrated support for PrepareLA, an initiative to help build a stronger, better prepared and more disaster resilient community.

"PrepareLA will ensure that the Red Cross will have the resources to prepare for and more fully respond to disasters locally," officials said.

Since the American Red Cross is privately funded, the ability to provide services to those in need is directly dependent on the financial generosity of the public, officials added.