Photo: Kristin Crowley
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass removed LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley today, following weeks of tensions that mounted over preparations for the January windstorm and deadly Los Angeles wildfires, reports NBC Los Angeles.
The back-and-forth between the mayor and chief began in the days after the fires started on Jan. 7, when Bass was on an overseas trip, and intensified this week with Bass’ claims that Crowley did not warn her in advance about the high winds that fanned the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The windstorm was widely expected and publicized days in advance of when the fires started in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Bass said. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.
“Furthermore, a necessary step to an investigation was the President of the Fire Commission telling Chief Crowley to do an after action report on the fires. The Chief refused. These require her removal. The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the Fire Department is what our city needs.”
In a statement to NBC4 this week, the LAFD fired back at Bass, insisting that the department followed all standard preparation procedures.
Crowley was the first out lesbian woman to lead the LAFD.
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