Los Angeles mayor's office, fire department rebut speculation chief was dismissed

Source: CBS News

Updated on: January 12, 2025 / 9:02 AM EST


The Los Angeles Fire Department rebutted the speculation that its chief, Kristin Crowley, had been dismissed on Friday as crews continue to battle the wildfires burning across the region.

"On Friday, January 10th, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley of the Los Angeles City Fire Department met with Mayor Karen Bass. Their foremost priorities continue to be fighting the current wildfires and safeguarding Angelenos. It is important to note that the Fire Chief was not dismissed and is in full command of the LAFD," the department said in a statement.

Speculation surrounding the termination came after L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Crowley did not appear at a Friday night press conference regarding the wildfires. The mayor's office also said that Crowley remains the chief and has not resigned. And on Saturday afternoon, the two appeared together at a news conference in an attempt to put on a united front.

When asked by CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson how Angelenos can be sure that Bass and Crowley are on the same page, Bass responded: "Well, I think first of all you have heard it directly from me. I'll give her an opportunity to repeat it again, that we have one mission, and that is going to be our sole focus. Now, prior to this, the chief and I have always been in regular communication and we will continue to do that." Crowley followed up by saying that Bass, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell and herself "are all on the same page."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lafd-refutes-claim-chief-crowley-was-dismissed-amid-fires/