Current and former officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) are calling for LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley to resign.
The letter, obtained by NewsNation, says it is the officials’ responsibility to “transmit this communication to you as fire service professionals and members who care deeply for the citizens we swore an oath to protect and the members of the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD).”
“Your outburst regarding the budget and the statement that the “City failed the LAFD” was ill advised, poorly timed and took away from the most important issue, the Palisades fire,” the officials write. “When this incident is over, there will be a time for investigations, after action reviews, reflection, and of course the inevitable finger pointing and placement of blame, which you apparently have already started. No other Fire Chief in the history of the LAFD (Manning, Bamattre, Terrazas) have behaved as you have in recent days.”
The letter goes on to list the fire chief’s numerous failings.
“Chief Crowley, lives were lost at the Palisades fire. How does this happen in the City of Los Angeles in a residential neighborhood?” the letter asks. “It is the responsibility of the LAFD with the support and assistance of the LAPD to evacuate at risk residents. This clearly did not occur at this incident. As harsh as this sounds, the horrific truth is that you and your command staff own this terrible loss of life.”
“Chief Crowley, you have lost the confidence of the Mayor and more importantly you have lost the confidence of many Chief Officers of the LAFD. When this incident is stabilized, the LAFD must be rebuilt. This includes from the top down. You may feel that you and your current command staff are up to that incredible responsibility and challenge; however you must know that a large number of Chief Officers do not believe you are up to the task and feel that your retirement from the position of Fire Chief would be the best for the citizens of Los Angeles, the members of the LAFD, yourself and your family,” the retired and active LAFD Chief Officers said.
