Los Angeles Fire Department chief Christine Crowley was fired by Mayor Karen Bass.
Bass’ office made an announcement Friday morning and said it was removed from the post that was immediately effective. Retired Vice Chief Ronnie Villanueva will serve as interim chief.
In a statement released to the media on Friday, Bass said the decision was made to remove Crawley from his position “for the greatest interests of public safety in Los Angeles and the operation of the Los Angeles Fire Department.”
The decision to remove Crawley comes during a tennis match of charges between the mayor and the mayor.
Bass, who received widespread criticism for traveling to Ghana on an ambassador trip before the fatal January wildfires break out in Pallisard and San Gabriel Valley, has seen Crawley sink and massively slumped before she departs. He accused him of not conveying the true risks of the disaster. trip.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Christine Crowley speaks at a press conference held at Harbor Ukra Medical Center in the West Carson area of Los Angeles on Thursday, February 15th, 2024 (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Crowley also went back to the media mayor and accused Bass of failing her department of failing to fund properly. This is an allegation that the mayor’s office refused. The Los Angeles Fire Department ultimately received a $23 million boost in its budget, but eventually some positions were cut.
Work concerns, media spins between texts to LAFD chief in wildfires
Still, according to Bass, the decision to fire Crowley is particularly for handling the Palisades fire, which has driven away tens of thousands of people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.
“We know that 1,000 firefighters who may have been on duty in the morning have occurred. The committee tells Chief Crowley to give a later report of action on the fire. Chief refused.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass looked left as Los Angeles Fire Department chief Christan Crowley spoke at a press conference at Harbour Ukra Medical Center in the West Carson area of Los Angeles on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Please. Vogel)
Bass continued saying these actions needed her removal. Firefighters said the department needs new leadership while working heroically during the historic fire.
In the meantime, Villanueva will lead the LAFD, leaving his retirement and rejoin the division he has been involved in for 41 years. Villanueva holds a variety of positions across the department with “decades of experience in fire control, emergency management, and management of thousands of operational and support members of LAFD.” He retired from LAFD just seven months ago.
Bass held a press conference Friday afternoon to discuss Crowley’s firing and repeated comments in her statement earlier in the day.
What is “After Action Report”?
She said a nationwide search will be conducted to find permanent replacements to guide the Los Angeles Fire Department with “inputs” from firefighters and LA residents for what they’d like to see at the next chief.
While trying to focus on the new interim chief, Bass was also questioned about the city’s overall response, including the LAFD budget.
“Let’s be clear about the budget. The fire department was not cut,” Bus said. “I have made two budgets here. Both budgets have increased, and I expect this will increase again.”
During the availability of simple media, Bass said the refusal to refusal to implement a later action report was one of the main reasons for Crowley’s firing.
After Crawley’s shooting words began to circulate in the political world of LA, local leaders and base critics began publishing statements challenging the Chief’s firing.
“I am furious at the scapegoating revealed by the mayor’s actions. I am enraged by using my authority as a councillor to set up a record straight and encourage the city council to sue the mayor’s unfounded dismissal. We’re going to do that,” said City Councilman Monica Rodriguez.
Developer Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, has issued a statement on social media. There, the fire is “unfortunate,” calling for Crowley Brave for comments on the fire department’s budget, accusing him of not stealing the bass. The risk of a fire is serious.
“She was the only mayor’s decision to ignore the warning and leave the city,” Caruso said. “This is when city leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions. We need real leadership without taking more responsibility.”
The union representing LAFD firefighters said its members “strongly oppose the end of Chief Crawley.”
Crowley is below his right to stay in the fire department, authorities announced Friday afternoon. Her duties are assigned by Villanueva.
Source link
