Kristin Crowley has made her first public comments since she was removed as the chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department by Mayor Karen Bass on Friday.
The firing was made effective immediately on Friday morning. Retired Deputy Chief Ronnie Villanueva was named interim chief.
Former Chief Crowley’s statement was provided to KTLA on Saturday, and can be seen below:
“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.”
– Former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley
Crowley will remain at LAFD, but at a lower rank to be assigned by Villanueva.
Friday, Bass cited the “best interests of Los Angeles‘ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department” as reasons for the firing.
“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,” Bass said in a statement Friday. “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.”
The pair have traded barbs since the deadly and destructive Palisades and Eaton fires broke out in early January. On Friday, some City Councilmembers defended Crowley and called the firing “scapegoating.”
“I am outraged by the scapegoating revealed by the Mayor’s actions,” said City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez. “I plan to use my authority as a Councilmember to set the record straight and encourage Chief Crowley to appeal the Mayor’s baseless termination to the City Council.”
