Ex-Los Angeles Fire Chief’s Appeal for Reinstatement Denied, Assigned to Different Role
LOS ANGELES—It was announced on Wednesday that former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will take on the role of assistant chief within the department’s Operations Valley Bureau.
Rob Wilcox, spokesperson for Crowley, verified that she will be working with the bureau, which is responsible for providing fire and emergency services to the San Fernando Valley.
On Tuesday, the City Council of Los Angeles voted 13–2 to affirm Crowley’s dismissal by Mayor Karen Bass, who terminated the former chief due to alleged leadership failures associated with the January Palisades Fire, which proved to be fatal.
“While I am disheartened by the outcome of today’s appeal vote, I am deeply grateful for the immense love and support I received,” Crowley stated in a press release on Tuesday.
“I want to extend my special thanks to UFLAC [United Firefighters of Los Angeles City] President Freddy Escobar, along with the many UFLAC leaders and members who backed my efforts to emphasize LAFD’s needs. Speaking up, advocating for our LAFD firefighters, their families, and the communities we serve will always be the right path to take.”
“It has been a lifetime honor to represent and serve the remarkable men and women of the LAFD for nearly three years. The LAFD deserves proper funding, adequate staffing, and resources to meet the ever-evolving requirements of our communities. We owe it to the LAFD and those we serve,” her statement further expressed.
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In her announcement on February 21, Bass criticized the department for not mobilizing approximately 1,000 firefighters on the morning of January 7, when a significant Santa Ana wind event ignited the fire. She also pointed out Crowley’s reported unwillingness to prepare an after-action report on the firefight.
Moreover, Bass stated that Crowley neglected to provide her with a weather update before the intense windstorm, a practice she had followed for other severe weather occurrences, despite the warnings having been publicly announced days in advance of January 7.
“After the former chief clarified that she sent firefighters home on January 7, her appeal was denied 13–2 by City Council members,” Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Bass, remarked in a statement on Tuesday. “This decision pertains to public safety and operational integrity within the Los Angeles Fire Department—the city is progressing forward.”
During the hearing on Tuesday, Crowley contested the mayor’s assertion that she refused to create an after-action report, labeling it a “false accusation.”
“I suggested we collaborate with Governor [Gavin] Newsom’s already established and funded agency, the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), as they are already undertaking an independent analysis of the windstorm and fire crises in Los Angeles and Ventura counties,” Crowley explained.
The former chief also defended herself against the additional claims directed at her.
According to the City Charter, Crowley required the backing of 10 out of the 15 council members to regain her position as chief.
Council members Traci Park and Monica Rodriguez, who have expressed opposition to Crowley’s dismissal, were the only two dissenting votes.
Park, representing Pacific Palisades, emphasized that numerous questions regarding the city’s fire response remain unanswered and reminded everyone that no investigation has been finalized.
Rodriguez asserted, “It’s crucial to allow the truth to prevail, and one should not belittle or imply that someone neglected their duties.”
Council Members Imelda Padilla and Tim McOsker expressed support for Bass’ decision, underscoring that Crowley lacked sufficient backing, ultimately leading to a swift vote on the issue.
Padilla criticized Crowley for her participation in interviews following the fire, in which she discussed the department’s supposed budget cuts, asserting that “the chief selected an inappropriate time and setting to voice these concerns.”
Bass has faced scrutiny for her management of the wildfire, particularly as the mayor traveled to Ghana for diplomatic reasons mere days before the fires ignited, despite prior warnings regarding severe wind and fire hazards.
Tensions between Crowley and Bass escalated upon the mayor’s return when Crowley made public remarks criticizing what she labeled the city’s insufficient funding of the LAFD.
This resulted in a one-on-one meeting between them, yet no disciplinary actions were taken against Crowley at that time.
In the meantime, UFLAC President Freddy Escobar came to Crowley’s defense. He stated that she exhibited the “courage and resolve to speak out and ensure that her team on the ground has what they require to perform their duties.”
He added, “For the first time, the public and this City Council began to take notice. However, her honesty cost her the job.”
By Jose Herrera
