LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Kristin Crowley made her first public statement Saturday since being removed as the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief by Mayor Karen Bass. Crowley's statement read, "as the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so they could take care of our communities." She added, "I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian." There was no mention of her dismissal or the mayor in Crowley's statement.
Bass fired Crowley Friday afternoon, citing failures in leadership and blaming her for improperly staffing the emergency response during the Palisades and Eaton fires. "Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles' public safety and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief," Bass stated. The mayor made her first public appearance on Saturday following the announcement, attending an event to help families displaced by the fires. During this event, Bass addressed critics of her sudden leadership change, emphasizing, "She was absolutely not scapegoated, I would never do such a thing; it is important for us to understand what happened." This decision was met with varying reactions, with some members of the city council expressing dissent.
Los Angeles Councilmember Monica Rodriguez was vocal against the mayor's actions, saying, "I am outraged by the scapegoat mentality revealed by the Mayor's actions. I plan to use my authority as a Councilmember to set the record straight and encourage Chief Crowley to appeal the Mayor's baseless termination to the City Council." Meanwhile, Crowley has chosen to remain with the fire department but at a lower rank, with her duties to be determined by incoming Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva.
Bass first announced Crowley's dismissal Friday morning, attributing her removal to operational failures during the January wildfires. The mayor highlighted the fact, "1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley's watch." On Saturday, Crowley released her statement defending her tenure, asserting, "Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love, and respect have guided me throughout my career." She emphasized her pride in the dedication of LAFD members, both for sworn and civilian roles.
At the center of the controversy is the accusation from Bass alleging Crowley's refusal to conduct necessary reports following the wildfires. Bass noted during a news conference, "There was no after-action report submitted, which is required for investigations following such incidents". The relationship between Bass and Crowley had been reported as strained, especially following the Palisades Fire on January 7, where Crowley had previously criticized city funding for the fire department.
Criticism directed at Mayor Bass heightened as her trip to Ghana coincided with the crisis. Critics pointed to her absence during the emergency as negligence, asserting Bass should have been more present. Bass defended her actions, arguing she typically receives notifications from the fire chief during emergencies, but had not done so for the January fires. She asserted the fire department under Crowley was unprepared for the intensity of the fires.
Rick Caruso, the businessman who ran against Bass for mayor, expressed disappointment over the dismissal, calling it indicative of blame-shifting. "Chief Crowley served Los Angeles well and spoke honestly about severe and ill-conceived budget cuts the Bass administration made to the LAFD. That courage to speak the truth was brave, which I admire. Honesty should not be met with retribution," he stated.
Similarly, Freddie Escobar, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, condemned the decision, insisting, "We are outraged at the termination of Fire Chief Crowley. She is being made a scapegoat for issues far beyond her control." Escobar detailed how operational resources, like fire engines and staff, were insufficient to combat the flames effectively, corroborated by other department insiders.
Further complicity lies with the broader staffing concerns. A Times investigation revealed LAFD officials could have ordered more firefighters to remain on duty prior to the outbreak, which could have significantly altered the firefight outcomes. This underlines systemic challenges within the department, including budget constraints and operational efficiency. Despite Bass highlighting budget increases for the LAFD, Crowley and others maintain cuts have negatively impacted their capability to respond during crises.
Looking to the future, Bass has appointed Ronnie Villanueva as the interim fire chief. Villanueva has spent more than four decades with the LAFD and has pledged his commitment to restore confidence and efficiency within the department. "I am humbled by your confidence in me. I will strive to lead the Los Angeles Fire Department with honor," Villanueva remarked.
The Palisades fire earlier this year was catastrophic, leading to significant loss of life and property. With at least 12 dead and over 12,300 structures affected, the aftermath raises serious questions about the municipal government’s crisis-response protocols and the oversight of emergency services. The situation continues to develop as individuals and groups within the community call for greater accountability and transparency surrounding the mayor's decisions and the fire department's operations. Citizens rightfully demand the leaders of Los Angeles confront these dire challenges heading toward future uncertainties.