After days of heightened tensions among Los Angeles city leaders, Kristen Crowley is now appealing Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to fire her as LAFD Chief.
Crowley announced her decision in a letter to city council members on Thursday.
“I choose to proceed with the Council appeal provided for in Los Angeles Charter, Article V, Section 5.08(e), due to Mayor Bass’s removal of me, on February 21, 2025, from the position of Fire Chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department,” read Crowley’s note. “I look forward to hearing from you about next steps, if any.”
Crowley was fired nearly a week ago in a sudden announcement from Bass, who said Crowley’s removal after the Palisades Fire and other blazes in January was in the “best interests of Los Angeles‘ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department.”
The mayor’s decision has since drawn criticism from the public as well as City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who accused Bass of “misrepresenting the facts” surrounding Crowley’s firing.
On Wednesday, Bass opened up questions during a press conference for the first time since Crowley’s removal – pushing her to address the fallout.
For example, earlier this week, United Firefighters of L.A. President Freddy Escobar claimed there weren’t enough working engines on the morning of the fire.
However, the mayor refuted that claim on Wednesday to KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos, saying that there were 40 fire engines in working order that were not used.
“There are fire trucks that need repair, the fire department needs mechanics, there is no question about that,” said Bass. “But, 1,000 firefighters – many of those firefighters would have been able to be on the 40 fire trucks.”
The “1,000 firefighters” that Bass mentioned was in reference to her original statement on firing Crowley, claiming that there were firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out, but were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.
Aside from this appeal, Crowley’s only other public comment since the firing was provided in her statement released on Feb. 22, saying:
“As a humble public servant for over the past 30 years, 25 of those with the LAFD, it has been an absolute honor to represent and lead the men and women of one of the greatest fire departments in the world. As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career. I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”
