A few days after tensions escalated among Los Angeles leaders, Christine Crowley is now appealing for Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to fire him as LAFD chief.
Crawley announced her decision in a letter to city council members Thursday.
“I choose to proceed with the council appeal provided by Los Angeles Charter, Section 5, Section 5.08(e) as Mayor of Bus removed me from his position as fire chief at the Los Angeles City Fire Department on February 21, 2025,” read Crawley’s memo. “I look forward to hearing from you if there is a next step.”
Crawley was fired almost a week ago after a sudden announcement from the bus. Bus said Crowley’s removal after the Palisades fire and other flames in January was “for the greatest benefits of public safety in Los Angeles and the operation of the Los Angeles Fire Station.”
The mayor’s decision has since attracted public criticism from councillor Monica Rodriguez, who accused Bus of “misinforming the facts” surrounding Crawley’s firing.
On Wednesday, Bass held questions at a press conference for the first time since Crowley removed it.
For example, earlier this week, United firefighters of LA President Freddie Escobar claimed they didn’t have enough work engines on fire morning.
However, the mayor refuted KTLA’s claims to Annie Rose Ramos on Wednesday, saying 40 unused fire engines were not working.
“There are fire trucks that need repairs, and the fire department needs a mechanic, and there’s no doubt about that,” Bass said. “But 1,000 firefighters – many of those firefighters could have ridden 40 firefighters.”
The “1,000 firefighters” mentioned by Bass was linked to her original statement about Crowley’s launch, claiming that there could have been firefighters who could have served in the morning, but instead was sent home on Chief Crawley’s watch.
Apart from the appeal, as the shooting was announced on February 22nd, Crowley’s only other public comment stated:
“As a humble civil servant over the past 30 years, it has been an absolute honor to represent and guide the men and women of one of the greatest fire stations in the world. As a fire chief, I am based on my actions and decisions in caring for our firefighters so that they can take care of our community. I have led me throughout my career by guiding with courage, sincerity, caring, love and respect to serve others before myself and do the right thing. I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of LAFD members.
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