Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing concerns over the department’s handling of the Palisades Fire in January. The decision, announced on Friday morning, takes effect immediately.
Bass has appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), as interim fire chief.
"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 in a statement.
The mayor pointed to staffing issues under Crowley’s leadership, stating that 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty when the fire broke out were instead sent home. This, she suggested, affected the city's ability to respond effectively.
Crowley’s removal follows reported tensions between her and Bass after the Palisades Fire. While both had initially presented a united front, speculation about Crowley’s firing had been growing since the fire.
Bass is expected to hold a news conference later on Friday to address the decision further.
Not everyone agrees with the move. Businessman Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, criticized the decision, calling it "disappointing."
"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 said. "That courage to speak the truth was brave, and I admire her."
Crowley, who became the LAFD’s first female and openly LGBTQ chief, was appointed in 2022.
This is a developing story. More updates are expected.
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