Kristin Crowley was appointed as the fire chief of Los Angeles in 2022, during a challenging phase for the department, which was grappling with numerous allegations of hazing, harassment, and discrimination among its membership of 3,400 firefighters. At her appointment, the then-mayor hailed her as a stabilizing figure, indicative of her long career as a firefighter.
Now, three years later, the relationship between Crowley and City Hall has shifted significantly.
The massive wildfire raging in Pacific Palisades, which has resulted in the destruction of over 5,000 structures, marking it as the most devastating fire in the city’s history, has placed local leaders in a difficult position. This situation has also led to a public disagreement between Crowley and Mayor Karen Bass regarding the resources necessary for fighting the ongoing flames across the region.
On Friday, Crowley openly criticized the city’s budget reductions, stating that these cuts have impeded firefighters’ ability to perform their duties, especially at a time when emergency calls are surging. She further blamed the city for the lack of water availability when up to 20% of the fire hydrants utilized during the Palisades blaze ran dry.
“I’m not a politician; I’m a public servant. As fire chief, I must ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” she remarked during an interview.
This dispute with Bass raised concerns about her job security so much that the firefighters’ union felt compelled to release a statement reassuring members that Crowley remained in her position.
In response to the escalating tensions, Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of collaboration in managing the current wildfire crisis, asserting, “The fire chief and I are committed to saving lives and will handle any differences privately.” She stressed that their primary obligation was to address the ongoing emergency.
This public discord comes amid a broader national conversation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion within institutions. Crowley, who is openly gay and the city’s first female fire chief, has prioritized diversifying a department that has faced criticism for its male-dominated culture.
Critiques have surfaced regarding the focus on diversity over necessary operational preparations, with commentators suggesting that the emphasis has led to critical oversights. Notably, talk show host Megyn Kelly remarked that resources like fire hydrants should take precedence over diversity initiatives, though no evidence suggests that Crowley’s diversifying efforts have hindered firefighting capabilities significantly.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has reported that the intense demands on the municipal system, which was not designed to handle such fire emergencies, coupled with grounded firefighting aircraft, contributed to water shortages. Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fires. Crowley, too, expressed frustration over the expectations surrounding hydrants, stating, “When firefighters approach a hydrant, there should be water available.”
Moreover, Adam K. Thiel, the Managing Director of Philadelphia, emphasized the complexity of firefighting operations and urged people to reserve judgment until investigations could clarify the situation further.
Former Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Crowley amid serious complaints about the department’s frat house culture—one that proved hostile to women and minorities. Lawsuits alleging hazing and discrimination have been filed, revealing a troubling environment within the department.
When Crowley assumed her role, women represented only 3.5% of the uniformed membership, a statistic fairly typical for similar departments. A survey indicated that a substantial proportion of female personnel, as well as 40% of minority groups, felt that harassment was a significant issue. Crowley had previously committed to fostering a workplace where all employees could feel safe and valued.
However, two years later, she is contending with budget cuts that she warns could severely limit the department’s operational capacity, especially in emergency situations like wildfires. Crowley pointed to the elimination of numerous civilian positions and $7 million in overtime pay as detrimental to their preparedness and training efforts.
These reductions hinder the department’s capacity to engage in training for large-scale emergencies. Additionally, the loss of mechanics has resulted in delays in vehicle repairs. While other city officials have indicated a budget increase for the department, uncertainties remain regarding the allocation towards essential firefighting resources. Bass maintained that the department possesses the necessary resources to fulfill its responsibilities, promising to address specific concerns following the current crisis.
Crowley, originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, took a distinctive route into firefighting. An athlete in high school and college with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, she transitioned into firefighting after a stint as a paramedic and found her calling during an internship with the fire department.
With 25 years in service, Crowley has held various roles, including fire marshal and battalion chief. Garcetti had described her as not only a history-maker but also the most capable individual for the role, asserting, “The protection of our city must be entrusted to the person best prepared, and that person is Kristin Crowley.”
