City Council Votes 13-2 To Deny Former LAFD Chief Crowley’s Appeal

Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley is appealing her dismissal by Mayor Karen Bass at a City Council meeting on Tuesday. Crowley, who was fired on February 21, needs the support of 10 out of the 15 council members to regain her position. Mayor Bass cited Crowley’s handling of the Palisades Fire, including her decision to send 1,000 firefighters home despite warnings of extreme fire danger, as the reason for her termination. Bass also criticized Crowley for not conducting an after-action report on the fire.

Crowley, who has served with the LAFD for 25 years, argues that budget cuts impacted the department’s response capabilities. She has received support from the firefighters’ union and some council members, such as Monica Rodriguez, who criticized the mayor’s decision. Rodriguez stated, “I am outraged by the scapegoating revealed by the Mayor’s actions.”

The appeal hearing, initially scheduled for Friday, was moved to Tuesday to allow more public participation. The outcome of the appeal could have significant political implications for both Mayor Bass and the council members involved. In the meantime, retired Deputy Chief Ronnie Villanueva is serving as the interim chief while a national search for a new chief is conducted.

Crowley expressed her dedication to the department, saying, “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities.”

Crowley said she was grateful “to exercise the opportunity to appeal, very grateful for our labor organization that is here, supporting our efforts,” she added, gesturing toward some of the approximately 50 firefighters union members who showed up in solidarity with her.

“In the end, we’ll see where the votes are, but I’m so grateful for the love and support,” she said.

The L.A. City Council voted 13-2 Tuesday to deny former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley’s appeal, supporting Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to terminate her as head of the Los Angeles Fire Department following January’s wildfires.