West Covina, Calif. — Tristan Hallum, Director of Scientific Programs at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGV Mosquito/District), was honored with the Presidential Citation Award at the 94th Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) Annual Conference, held in Rancho Mirage, California.

The MVCAC Presidential Citation Award recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, innovation, and service have made a significant impact on vector control and public health in California. Hallum was recognized for his groundbreaking leadership during the Eaton Fire emergency mosquito control response in 2025, which resulted in a historic first for the vector control industry.

During the wildfire recovery effort, Hallum successfully led SGV Mosquito through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance process— establishing a new precedent for FEMA reimbursement of wildfire-related mosquito control by a vector control district.

“Tristan’s work during the Eaton Fire fundamentally changed how vector control is viewed in emergency management,” said SGV Mosquito District Manager Jason Farned. “His persistence, creativity, and scientific leadership opened the door for districts across the state and nation to access critical federal resources to protect public health after disasters.”

Historically, vector control agencies have faced challenges meeting FEMA eligibility requirements, which focused on documented increases in adult mosquito populations and laboratory-confirmed disease transmission. Hallum reframed the District’s case by demonstrating that the rapid expansion of mosquito habitat caused by wildfire damage—within a region already experiencing endemic and locally transmitted disease—constituted an imminent public health threat.

This innovative interpretation, supported by the California Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and ultimately approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulted in federal authorization for mosquito abatement and larvicide treatments in the Eaton Fire burn area.

“It’s an honor to receive this award, and it reflects the collaborative efforts of the District’s staff in response to the Eaton Fire,” said Hallum. “I’m grateful for the distinction and look forward to continuing our work to protect public health."

MVCAC President and Executive Committee members recognized Hallum’s contributions as an extraordinary advancement of MVCAC’s mission to protect public health through leadership, science, and innovation.

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