Former Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley has transitioned to a new role within the department after being dismissed by Mayor Karen Bass. Crowley now serves as Assistant Chief of LAFD’s Operations Valley Bureau, overseeing the San Fernando Valley area. This change follows a contentious period marked by her dismissal due to her handling of the Palisades Fire, which caused significant destruction across the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica Mountains.
Crowley’s appeal for reinstatement was denied by the Los Angeles City Council, with a vote of 13 to 2 against her return as chief. Despite strong support from the firefighters’ union, Crowley could not secure the necessary votes. During the council hearing, she argued that her dismissal was retaliatory, citing her public comments on the department’s lack of resources. “The truth is that the fire chief should not be prevented from, or punished for, speaking openly and honestly about the needs and capabilities of the LAFD,” Crowley stated at the hearing, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Mayor Bass cited Crowley’s failure to adequately prepare for the fire and her refusal to participate in an internal after-action report as reasons for her dismissal. Crowley, however, denied these allegations, explaining that the department lacked the resources to conduct such a report and had recommended collaborating with an external agency. She also refuted claims that she failed to inform the mayor of the impending dangerous weather conditions, noting that standard communication protocols were followed.
Despite the controversy, Crowley remains with the LAFD, exercising her civil service rights to continue serving in a different capacity. Her supporters continue to express concerns about the department’s funding and resources, issues that Crowley has been vocal about throughout her tenure. As she steps into her new role, the focus remains on addressing these challenges within the LAFD.
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