In a move that has left the city split, the Los Angeles City Council has voted 13-2 against the appeal of former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to be reinstated, aligning with Mayor Karen Bass' decision to remove her from the position last month. According to NBC Los Angeles, the rejection comes despite Crowley's assertation of multiple false accusations against her leadership during the Palisades Fire. She countered the mayor's claims at a city council meeting, saying, "I did not refuse to conduct an after-action report. I said the LAFD is not capable nor do we have the proper resources to conduct an after-action report for the Palisades Fire due to the sheer magnitude, scope and complexity of the incident."
As reported by FOX 11, Crowley voiced her recommendations at the hearing before the council, highlighting the Fire Safety Research Institute's (FSRI) role in conducting an independent analysis of the wildfires. “We are already understaffed, underresourced, and underfunded,” she told the city council, indicating structural challenges within the fire department. Standing in solidarity, only two council members – Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park – voted in Crowley’s favor.
The council’s vote reaffirms Mayor Bass' stance since February 21, when she cited public safety and insufficient fire response as grounds for Crowley's termination. Representatives of the firefighters' union have claimed Crowley has been made a scapegoat, while other community voices have pointed out her responsibility for perceived inadequacies in the wake of the fire crisis. "After testimony by the former Chief confirming she sent firefighters home on the morning of January 7th, her appeal was rejected 13-2 by members of the City Council," stated Mayor Bass' spokesman Zach Seidl, as reported by ABC 7.
Despite the setback, Crowley expressed her gratitude to the community and remained a champion for LAFD's needs. "Although I am disappointed in the outcome of today's appeal vote, my heart is full of gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that I received," said Crowley in a statement obtained by FOX 11. She will continue with the LAFD, although now serving in a different capacity as assistant chief assigned to the Operations Valley Bureau.
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