Kristin Crowley has broken her silence following her abrupt removal as chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a decision announced by Mayor Karen Bass on Friday.
The mayor’s move was effective immediately, and retired Deputy Chief Ronnie Villanueva has stepped in as interim chief.
In a statement released to KTLA on Saturday, Crowley reflected on her tenure and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the department.
“For over 30 years, I have dedicated my life to public service, with 25 of those years proudly serving within the LAFD,” Crowley stated. “Leading this department has been an incredible honor, and I have always prioritized the well-being of our firefighters so they could best serve our communities. Throughout my career, I have been guided by principles of integrity, courage, and compassion, and I remain deeply proud of the dedication and sacrifice of LAFD’s members, both sworn and civilian.”
Although removed from her role as chief, Crowley will continue working within the department at a lower rank, with her new assignment to be determined by Villanueva.
Mayor Bass defended her decision, citing concerns over public safety and LAFD operations.
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“On the morning the fires erupted, 1,000 firefighters who should have been on duty were instead sent home under Chief Crowley’s leadership,” Bass said Friday. She also criticized Crowley for allegedly refusing to conduct an after-action review of the fires despite directives from the Fire Commission president.
Crowley and the mayor have been at odds since January, when the Palisades and Eaton fires caused widespread destruction and loss of life. While Bass framed the leadership change as a necessary step for the city’s safety, some City Council members pushed back, arguing that Crowley was being unfairly blamed.
“I am outraged by the scapegoating we are seeing,” Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said in a statement. “I intend to use my authority to make sure the full story is told and will support Chief Crowley if she chooses to appeal this baseless termination to the City Council.”
The controversy over Crowley’s dismissal is likely to continue as city officials debate the leadership shift and its impact on LAFD’s future .
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