Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez is calling for former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to appeal her firing by Mayor Karen Bass. Rodriguez believes that Crowley’s firing was scapegoating and questions if the reasons given by the mayor were legitimate. Bass defends the firing, stating that it was in the best interest of public safety and that new leadership is needed in the fire department.
Crowley has not yet decided whether to appeal, but the appeal must be made within 10 days of her firing. The Los Angeles City Council would need two-thirds of its 15 members to overturn the dismissal. The firing of Crowley has led to criticisms about the fire budget management, with accusations of not assigning available firefighters for emergency deployment.
Councilwoman Rodriguez and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 have criticized the firing, citing concerns about limitations on resources and the neglect of the fire department by the city. Budget cuts and elimination of positions have impacted the department’s ability to repair apparatus and respond to emergencies effectively.
Mayor Bass has faced criticism for being out of the country during the Palisades fire and not being aware of the warnings about the fire danger. Bass claims that Crowley failed to notify her about the impending danger, while Rodriguez argues that the responsibility of notifying the mayor falls on the Emergency Management Department, not the fire chief. Bass’s office has stood by the firing, stating that new leadership in the fire department is necessary for the city. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson also supported the decision to fire Crowley, citing lack of communication during the fires.
