Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sacks fire chief who said city failed residents in wildfires
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made a significant announcement on Friday regarding the termination of LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. This decision came after Crowley publicly criticized Bass and other Democratic leaders in the city for their handling of the wildfires that displaced 100,000 residents in January.
Crowley raised concerns about the impact of budget cuts on the department’s ability to respond effectively to the wildfires. She highlighted staffing shortages as a major issue that had been affecting the LAFD’s response time for years. Despite her efforts to address these issues through detailed memos to the city, Crowley was ultimately let go by Mayor Bass.
In a statement, Bass explained that Crowley’s removal was necessary for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the city’s public safety. She pointed out that 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty during the wildfires were sent home under Crowley’s watch. Additionally, Bass mentioned that Crowley refused to conduct an after-action report on the fires, further justifying her dismissal.
While Chief Villanueva is currently leading the department, Bass stated that her office would initiate a national search for a new permanent chief. She also expressed her intention to gather input from firefighters and residents on the qualities they would like to see in the next chief.
Republican Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in the last mayoral election, criticized Crowley’s firing, emphasizing the importance of honesty and accountability in city leadership. He commended Crowley for speaking out about the budget cuts and called for genuine leadership rather than passing blame.
Overall, the decision to remove Chief Crowley has sparked debate and raised questions about the city’s handling of the wildfires and its commitment to public safety. As Los Angeles moves forward with finding a new fire chief, the focus remains on addressing the challenges faced by the LAFD and ensuring the safety of the city’s residents.
