Kristin Crowley, L.A.’s First Lesbian Fire Chief, Appeals Dismissal
Mayor Karen Bass removed Crowley last week, blaming her for the city’s lack of wildfire preparedness. The decision now sits in the hands of the City Council.
Nearly a week after former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was removed from her top position, she is taking her case to the City Council.
Crowley, the first woman and out LGBTQ+ chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, was dismissed from her position after concerns were raised regarding the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. In an official statement, Mayor Karen Bass blamed Crowley’s actions, particularly her decision to send 1,000 firefighters home the day the flames erupted, for the city’s lack of preparedness.
“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the Fire Department is what our city needs,” Bass stated.
Following her removal, Crowley has made it clear she does not agree with the decision. On Thursday, Feb. 27, she filed an official appeal to the Los Angeles City Council, which stated:
“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.”
According to the cited charter, Crowley’s appeal requires the approval of two-thirds of the city’s 15 council members. There is a clear idea of how some council members will vote, as they were quick to voice their opinions following Crowley’s removal.
City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez immediately deemed Mayor Bass’ decision an outrage, claiming that Bass was using Crowley as a scapegoat. “I plan to use my authority as a Councilmember to set the record straight,” she wrote in a statement Feb. 21.
Councilmember Traci Park also spoke out against Crowley’s removal. “There is a crisis of confidence in city government, and I see it every day with my constituents,” she said, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles. “[Crowley’s removal] was not well thought out and has resulted in division on the council when we should be focused on the recovery.”
Meanwhile, other council members have stood by Bass, including Hugo Soto Martínez, Adrin Nazarian, Bob Blumenfield, and Curren Price. Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson took his approval one step further, saying he was the one who encouraged Bass to “separate with the chief.”
“[T]here are other people who thought the mayor and the fire chief should stay on indefinitely. There are definitely differences of opinion based on where we sit in the work,” he said, according to NBC 4.
Crowley’s appeal hearing will take place on March 4, according to KTLA.
