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Former LAFD Chief responds to dismissal
Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley.
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Myung J. Chun
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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A day after her dismissal, former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley issued a response, saying she "based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities."
UPDATE: Before the latest firestorm, LA had been warned that its Fire Department is too small
The backstory: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass terminated Crowley on Friday, Feb. 21. Among the reasons Bass cited were Crowley's decision to not mobilize enough firefighters before the Palisades Fire broke out.
The mayor's office also said that the former chief failed to warn Bass about dangerous weather conditions that fanned recent massive fires in L.A. County.
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One of those fires devastated neighborhoods in the city of Los Angeles, with a dozen people losing their lives in the Palisades Fire. Thousands of homes were destroyed.
Crowley's response: The day after she was ousted, Crowley said that she is "extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members."
She issued this brief statement Saturday:
"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."
What's next: Crowley decided to remain in the department at a lower rank, an option she had under civil service protections. L.A.'s City Council could overturn Crowley's dismissal, which would require a two-thirds vote.
Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a more-than-40-year veteran of the department, has been named interim fire chief.
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