LA Mayor Fires Fire Chief Kristin Crowley After "Leadership Failed" Remark Amid $17M Cuts

Jan 11, 2025, 02:00 AM

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following Crowley's public criticism of city leadership over budget cuts and their impact on firefighting efforts amid devastating wildfires. Crowley had stated that the leadership had "failed" the department. She blamed a $17 million budget cut and the elimination of civilian positions for severely impacting the Los Angeles Fire Department's ability to combat the fires. Crowley was summoned to a closed-door meeting with Mayor Bass at 4 p.m., after which she informed her staff of her dismissal.