A number of officials currently employed by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as well as those who have previously worked there are now reportedly demanding that Chief Kristin Crowley step down immediately.
Crowley was accused for the inadequate response to the wildfires in California by a number of current and past chief officers, including battalion chiefs, assistant chiefs, and deputy chiefs, in a letter that was five pages long and did not include any signatures.
In the letter, the officials also make reference to the statements that Crowley made on January 10 to the reporters, in which she stated that the city authorities had failed her department.
“Chief, please focus on your current duties and responsibilities which currently should be focused on mitigating and stabilizing the Palisades fire. Your outburst regarding the budget and the statement that the ‘City failed the LAFD’ was ill-advised, poorly timed and took away from the most important issue, the Palisades fire.” the officials wrote in the letter.
Crowley also wrote a memo to the Democratic Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, on December 4, 2024, saying that Bass’ almost $18 million in cuts to the fire department seriously restricted the department’s capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale events, including wildfires. Crowley’s memo was sent to Bass.
In the next section, the officials detail eleven incidents that they claim have taken place while Crowley has been in charge, including a deficiency in mechanics and outdated equipment.
It was claimed by NewsNation that approximately one hundred current and former fire officials, including Crowley, have now received the letter.
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