In a dramatic shake-up of leadership, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on Friday the removal of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley, effective immediately. Crowley, the department’s first female and LGBTQ+ chief, had served since 2022 and was widely regarded for her leadership and dedication to the department.
Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year veteran of the LAFD who retired in September 2024, has been named interim fire chief while the city conducts a national search for a permanent replacement.
Why Was Kristin Crowley Removed?
Mayor Bass cited multiple reasons for Crowley’s removal, with the most significant being her handling of staffing during the Palisades Fire that erupted on January 7, 2025. According to Bass:
- 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty during the fire were reportedly sent home under Crowley’s watch.
- Crowley refused to conduct an after-action report following the fire, which the mayor considered a critical failure.
“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Bass stated.
Budget Cuts Dispute
Crowley had previously warned the Board of Fire Commissioners in a memo that recent budget cuts were harming the department’s ability to maintain core operations. However, Mayor Bass refuted those claims:
“Let me be clear about the budget—the fire department was not cut. In fact, the budgets were increased in both of my years here.”
Despite these assurances, critics argue that resource limitations were a factor in the department’s response to the fires.
Kristin Crowley Defends Her Record
In a statement released the day after her removal, Crowley reflected on her 25-year career with the LAFD:
“As Fire Chief, I based my actions on taking care of our firefighters so they could take care of our communities. I am extremely proud of the sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members.”
Although removed from her leadership role, Crowley has chosen to exercise her civil service rights to remain with the department at a lower rank. Her future responsibilities will be determined by Interim Chief Villanueva.
Who Is Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva?
Ronnie Villanueva served with the LAFD for over four decades, including as Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations before retiring in September 2024. He has extensive experience in:
- Fire suppression
- Emergency management
- Field operations (24 years of service in various field assignments)
“I pledge to the mayor, our firefighters, and the people of Los Angeles that the LAFD will be prepared, will respond, and will keep you safe,” Villanueva said during his appointment.
Firefighters Union Responds: Crowley Made a Scapegoat?
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) quickly condemned Mayor Bass’ decision to remove Crowley. Union President Freddy Escobar called the firing a “grave mistake” and accused the mayor of making Crowley a scapegoat:
“We are outraged at the termination of Chief Crowley. The department has long been underfunded, and on January 7, we had more members willing to participate than we had seats to put those members in.”
Escobar argued that while firefighters were ready to respond to the Palisades Fire, the department lacked sufficient equipment and engines due to ongoing resource limitations.
Political Fallout and Public Reactions
Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, also criticized the decision:
“Chief Crowley spoke honestly about the budget cuts made under the Bass administration. Her removal for telling the truth is disappointing.”
Mayor Bass, however, maintains that new leadership is necessary to ensure the department meets the needs of both its firefighters and the residents of Los Angeles.
