‘LAFD Must Be Rebuilt’: L.A. Officials Tell Chief Crowley to Retire After Wildfire Mismanagement
SUMMARY
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley faces mounting pressure to retire following criticism of her management during devastating wildfires that claimed lives and destroyed property. A group of current and former LAFD leaders issued a five-page letter accusing Crowley of failing to prepare the department for such incidents, stating fatalities and damage could have been mitigated with better leadership. They assert Crowley has lost the confidence of both the mayor and LAFD staff. The group also criticized Crowley for accepting budget cuts before her 2022 appointment, exacerbating the department’s challenges. These cuts, made by Mayor Karen Bass, included nearly $20 million from fire services, leaving over 100 firefighting vehicles out of service. Crowley has denied that diversity initiatives hinder emergency response and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the community. However, critics insist rebuilding the LAFD requires leadership change at the highest level.
