LAFD Chief Ousted: Mayor Bass Removes Kristin Crowley From Position

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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LAFD Chief Ousted: Mayor Bass Removes Kristin Crowley Amidst Department Turmoil

Los Angeles, CA – Mayor Karen Bass abruptly removed Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley from her position on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, triggering immediate shockwaves and sparking intense debate about the future leadership of the LAFD. The mayor's office offered a concise statement citing a "loss of confidence," but provided no specific details regarding the reasons behind the dismissal. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation, ranging from disagreements over departmental policy and budget allocations to broader concerns about the department's operational efficiency and response times.

Crowley, appointed by former Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2022, had faced increasing scrutiny during her tenure. While she implemented several initiatives aimed at modernizing the LAFD and improving its diversity, she also grappled with challenges including staffing shortages, aging equipment, and concerns about equity in service delivery across the sprawling city. Internal sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, suggest that friction with the mayor's office over budget priorities and strategic direction played a significant role in her dismissal. These sources allege that disagreements over resource allocation for initiatives such as community outreach programs and the implementation of new technologies contributed to a growing rift between Crowley and Bass's administration.

The timing of Crowley's removal is particularly noteworthy, occurring amidst ongoing investigations into several high-profile incidents involving the LAFD. While no direct link has been established between these investigations and the chief's dismissal, the confluence of events has fueled public skepticism and calls for greater transparency from City Hall. Specifically, the LAFD is currently under investigation for its response to several major fires and emergency situations. The results of these investigations, and their potential impact on the department's reputation and accountability, remain to be seen.

Replacing Crowley is Assistant Chief Richard Myer, a 30-year veteran of the LAFD, who has been appointed as acting chief. Myer, a respected figure within the department, is tasked with the immediate challenge of stabilizing the LAFD and restoring public confidence. His appointment is seen by many as a pragmatic choice, given his extensive experience and familiarity with the department's internal workings. However, questions remain about the long-term leadership of the LAFD, with Mayor Bass yet to announce plans for a permanent replacement.

The sudden departure of Chief Crowley underscores the ongoing complexities facing the LAFD, a department grappling with significant challenges in an increasingly demanding urban environment. The lack of detailed explanation surrounding her dismissal has generated a climate of uncertainty and raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of city leadership. As the city grapples with the fallout from this decision, the focus now shifts to the upcoming search for a permanent fire chief and the crucial need for a clear path forward to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Los Angeles residents. The City Council is expected to hold hearings to examine the circumstances surrounding Crowley's dismissal and address the concerns raised by the public and the LAFD personnel. The coming weeks and months will be critical in shaping the future of the LAFD and determining the efficacy of its response to the city’s evolving needs.