Watch Live: Former LAFD chief appeals to City Council to get her job back
Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley is set to appeal her dismissal over her handling of the Palisades Fire to the City Council on Tuesday.
The hearing will take place during the City Council meeting beginning at 10 a.m. To successfully appeal her firing and gain reinstatement, Crowley needs two-thirds approval from the council — which would be 10 of the 15 council members.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass fired Crowley on Feb. 21 citing the “best interests of Los Angeles‘ public safety.” Bass criticized Crowley’s “refusal” to do an after-action report on the Palisades Fire.
According to Bass, Crowley decided to send about 1,000 firefighters home on the morning the Palisades Fire broke out on Jan. 7, despite dire warnings from the National Weather Service about extreme fire danger due to hurricane-force Santa Ana winds in the forecast.
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L.A. County Fire City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley speaks at a press conference addressing the fires in LA County, in downtown Los Angeles, on January 16, 2025. (Photo by Katie McTiernan/Anadolu via Getty Images) -
An aerial view shows the devastation left by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) -
An aerial view shows the devastation from the Palisades Fire on beachfront homes Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) -
Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The Tuesday morning hearing will be Crowley’s first public appearance since her firing. She issued the following statement last week:
“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.”
At least one City Councilmember, Monica Rodriguez, has voiced support for Crowley since her firing.
“I am outraged by the scapegoating revealed by the Mayor’s actions. I plan to use my authority as a Councilmember to set the record straight and encourage Chief Crowley to appeal the Mayor’s baseless termination to the City Council,” Rodriguez said.
As of Tuesday morning, it’s unclear if Crowley will have the votes to return to her role as chief. In the meantime, as L.A. conducts a national search for a new chief, retired Deputy Chief Ronnie Villanueva is serving as the interim chief.
The 10 a.m. hearing will take place at Van Nuys City Hall.