Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley will make her first public appearance on Tuesday since her dismissal by Mayor Karen Bass. Crowley is appealing to the Los Angeles City Council to be reinstated as head of the department after being fired for her handling of the Palisades Fire.
The appeal process requires the support of 10 out of the 15 council members for Crowley to regain her position. This could be challenging, as four council members, including Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, have expressed support for Bass’s decision. According to NBC Los Angeles, Crowley was removed from her role due to alleged leadership failures during the fires, including not pre-deploying engines and refusing to conduct an after-action report.
Crowley, who has served with the LAFD for 25 years, argues that budget cuts impacted the department’s response capabilities. She has the backing of the firefighters’ union, which plans to attend the appeal hearing to show support. Fox LA reported that Crowley emphasized her commitment to serving the community and supporting firefighters.
The council meeting, initially scheduled for a Friday, was moved to Tuesday to allow for more public participation. The appeal is the last item on the agenda, and the council must decide by March 26. As Los Angeles Times noted, the outcome of this appeal could have significant political implications for Mayor Bass and the council members involved.
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