Memed fire brigade commander Kristin Crowley broke her silence after being brutally fired by Mayor Karen Bass over the disaster of the forest fires in Los Angeles.
Crowley was fired on Friday, almost seven weeks after destroying fires tore through South California, so that 29 people and 12,300 structures were decimated.
The decision was made by Mayor Bass, who also received criticism of her handling of the crisis.
“As a modest civil servant for the past 30 years, 25 of those with the Lafd, it has been an absolute honor to represent and lead the men and women of one of the largest fire brigades in the world,” said Crowley.
During her term of office as a fire commander, she said that she had based my actions and decisions to take care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities.
'Others serve for themselves, the courage and integrity to do what is good, and lead with compassion, love and respect have led me during my career.
“I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our Lafd members, both sworn and citizen.”
Crowley will continue with De Lafd, but in a lesser role that must be determined by her interim replacement Ronnie Villanueva.
Memed Fire Commander Kristin Crowley broke her silence after being brutally fired by Mayor Karen Bass over the disaster of the forest fires in Los Angeles
Crowley was dismissed on Friday, weeks after devastating fires tore through South California, so that 29 people and 12,300 structures were decimated
Mayor Bass placed the full weight of the debt for the devastating forest fires of the city on the shoulders Crowley and in a destructive address, painted her as the architect of failure.
She accused her of catastrophic mismanagement that led to loss of life, destruction of houses and widespread chaos in the second largest city in America that kept her removal with Chef as a matter of 'public safety'.
'Acting in the best interest in public safety of Los Angeles and for the activities of the Los Angeles fire brigade, I have just met Chief Crowley and removed her as a fire brigade commander,' Bass explained at a press conference on Friday In a non -saving statement.
The mayor has blamed the leadership failure of Crowley for worsening the crisis and said that under her order the fire brigade was poorly prepared for the size of the disaster.
Businessman of billionaire Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass for Mayor, accused his opponent of shifting the debt to Crowley despite her own clear shortcomings during the crisis.
“It is very disappointing that Mayor Bass has decided to fire Chief Kristin Crowley,” he said.
'Chief Crowley served Los Angeles well and spoke honestly about the serious and profound poorly conceived budget that the Bass Administration has reduced to De Lafd. That courage to speak the truth was brave and I admire her.
“Honesty in a high city official should not be a shooting media.”
Mayor Bass placed the full weight of debt for the devastating forest fires of the city on the shoulders Crowley and in a destructive address painted her as the architect of failure
The mayor blamed the leadership failure of Crowley for worsening the crisis and said that under her order the fire brigade was poorly prepared for the size of the disaster
Caruso said, “The mayor's decision to ignore the warnings and leave the city was only her.” He repeatedly criticized her journey during the peak of the fires, which his daughter cost her house.
He was able to save a Pacific Palisades Mall by hiring private firefighters to defend the area.
'This is a time for city leaders to take responsibility for their actions and their decisions. We really need leadership, no longer passing by, “he said.
Similarly, municipal councilor Monica Rodriguez was also crucial and said, “I am furious about the scapegoat that is revealed by the mayor's actions.”
“I intend to use my authority as a councilor to rectify the record and encourage Chief Crowley to appeal against the mayor of the mayor for the city council.”
Mayor Bass blamed Crowley for sending 1,000 firefighters home instead of held them the morning that the devastating fires broke out on January 7.
