Kristin Crowley served as the 19th Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) from March 25, 2022, to February 21, 2025. She was the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to hold this position. – Asian Journal file photo
LOS ANGELES — Former Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley has formally appealed her dismissal by Mayor Karen Bass, setting the stage for a decisive City Council vote on her potential reinstatement. The appeal has ignited a citywide debate over leadership accountability, emergency preparedness, and the impact of budgetary decisions on public safety.
Mayor Bass’ Justification
Mayor Bass announced Crowley’s removal on February 21, 2025, following criticism over the LAFD’s handling of the Palisades Fire in January, one of the most destructive wildfires in recent city history. The mayor cited “critical lapses” in Crowley’s leadership, including the failure to deploy an additional 1,000 firefighters who were available and her refusal to conduct an after-action review requested by the Fire Commission.
“Los Angeles must have a fire department that is prepared for every emergency, especially in the face of worsening wildfires,” Bass stated. “We need leadership that takes proactive steps to protect Angelenos, not reactive measures after the damage is done.”
In the interim, Bass appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran who retired seven months prior, to lead the department.
Crowley’s Defense and Appeal
Crowley, the first woman to serve as LAFD Chief, formally appealed her dismissal on February 27, 2025. She contends that the challenges faced during the Palisades Fire were due to longstanding issues of understaffing and underfunding, rather than leadership failures.
“I stand by the men and women of the LAFD who fought the Palisades Fire under extreme conditions,” Crowley stated in her appeal. “We worked with the resources available, and my focus was always on the safety of our personnel and the people of Los Angeles.”
The City Council is scheduled to consider Crowley’s appeal in a special meeting on Tuesday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m. To overturn the mayor’s decision, Crowley requires a favorable vote from at least 10 of the 15 council members.
Union and Public Reactions
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), representing the city’s firefighters, has criticized the mayor’s decision, describing it as a politically motivated action that overlooks deeper systemic issues.
“LAFD has faced years of underfunding and understaffing. The blame should not fall on one person,” said UFLAC President Freddy Escobar. “Firing Chief Crowley does not solve the real problems — it only distracts from them.”
Former mayoral candidate and billionaire developer Rick Caruso also weighed in, criticizing Bass for dismissing Crowley instead of addressing structural deficiencies.
“It is very disappointing that Mayor Bass has decided to fire Chief Kristin Crowley. Chief Crowley served Los Angeles well and spoke honestly about the severe and profoundly ill-conceived budget cuts the Bass administration made to the LAFD,” Caruso stated.
His remarks highlight broader concerns about the city’s approach to emergency management and whether budgetary constraints have compromised public safety.
What’s Next?
The upcoming City Council meeting on March 4 will be pivotal in determining whether Crowley will be reinstated or if the mayor’s decision will stand. This decision could set a precedent for how leadership accountability is managed in the wake of citywide emergencies.
As Los Angeles continues to face increasing wildfire threats, the debate underscores the urgent need for stronger investments in fire prevention, staffing, and response strategies. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy surrounding Crowley’s dismissal has brought renewed attention to the broader challenges facing the LAFD and the city’s ability to effectively respond to natural disasters.
— Asian Journal will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
