Kristin Crowley was appointed in 2022 by then Mayor Eric Garcetti as LAFD’s first female and openly LGBTQ fire chief.
LAFD Photo | Creative Commons Licensed | Public Domain
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-2 on March 4, 2025, to uphold Mayor Karen Bass’s dismissal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, solidifying a controversial decision amid growing scrutiny over the city’s wildfire response and leadership accountability. The ruling follows weeks of debate surrounding the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in the city’s history, which exposed challenges in emergency preparedness and resource management.
Council’s Decision and Leadership Controversy
The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, during strong Santa Ana winds, destroyed nearly 8,000 structures in Pacific Palisades and resulted in 12 fatalities. The widespread devastation prompted urgent questions about whether the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) leadership had effectively managed the crisis.
Following the fire, Mayor Bass cited Crowley’s alleged failure to mobilize an additional 1,000 firefighters and her refusal to participate in an after-action report as primary reasons for her dismissal. The mayor’s office argued that stronger leadership and more decisive action could have mitigated the fire’s destruction.
Crowley strongly denied these claims, asserting that budget constraints, staffing shortages, and operational limitations made large-scale deployments unfeasible. She also refuted accusations of noncompliance, stating that she had actively participated in response evaluations.
Reactions and Fallout
Crowley’s removal has sparked widespread debate among city officials, firefighters, and community leaders. The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), the union representing rank-and-file firefighters, opposed the decision, arguing that Crowley was unfairly blamed for systemic failures in wildfire preparedness that long predated her tenure.
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, one of the two dissenting votes in the council, criticized the move, warning that it could discourage city employees from speaking out about critical safety issues.
“This sends the wrong message to public safety officials—penalizing leadership for long-standing operational challenges they had little control over,” Rodriguez stated during the council meeting. “If we silence those who raise concerns, we risk failing the people we serve.”
However, supporters of Crowley’s removal maintain that leadership accountability is essential, particularly in the wake of a disaster of this magnitude. Some officials contend that the city cannot afford uncertainty in its emergency response leadership, particularly with increasing wildfire threats.
Kristin Crowley’s Background and Appointment
Kristin Crowley, a veteran firefighter with over two decades of service, joined LAFD in 2000 and steadily rose through the ranks. She served as a firefighter, paramedic, engineer, fire inspector, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, and deputy chief before being appointed as Los Angeles’ first female fire marshal in 2016.
In 2022, then-Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Crowley as LAFD’s first female and openly LGBTQ fire chief, a move unanimously approved by the City Council. Her tenure was recognized for efforts to modernize emergency response strategies and promote inclusivity within the department.
Under her leadership:
- The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Bureau was established in 2022 to create a more inclusive workplace culture.
- The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan introduced new emergency response strategies, including improved wildfire resource allocation and command structures. This comprehensive plan serves as a living document, subject to continual reassessment and evolving circumstances.
- LAFD saw expanded recruitment efforts aimed at increasing diversity within the department.
Implications for Los Angeles’ Public Safety and Leadership
Crowley’s dismissal raises broader concerns about Los Angeles’ approach to public safety, wildfire preparedness, and leadership stability. With climate change intensifying wildfire risks, the city faces increasing pressure to strengthen its emergency response infrastructure.
Mayor Bass’s administration must now appoint a new fire chief capable of restoring confidence in the LAFD while addressing ongoing operational challenges. Meanwhile, Crowley has hinted at potential legal action against the city, arguing that her termination was politically motivated.
