Months before the devastating January wildfires, former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley warned about the department’s lack of resources. Now, that warning is resurfacing in a new podcast, Making Maverick Moves, launched by former Metro whistleblower Gina Osborne.
Osborne, a former chief safety officer at Metro, says she was fired after exposing alleged issues within the agency. Her conversation with Crowley took place in November, well before the fires, and she described Crowley as a dedicated leader committed to her firefighters.
“When it comes to my position as the chief of advocating and fighting for the safety and well-being of our firefighters, that’s my job to stand up and to say the fire department can no longer operate this way. We’re understaffed, under-resourced and underfunded, and our Los Angeles City Fire Department is literally at a crossroads. So the maverick move is for me to stand up and say, the fire department can no longer do this,” Crowley said in the podcast.
Despite Crowley’s leadership, Mayor Karen Bass fired her on February 21, claiming Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires when asked by the fire commissioner. However, given Crowley’s previous warnings about resource shortages, her firing raises questions about whether she was being punished for speaking out rather than for any real failure in leadership.
This incident highlights a troubling pattern in Los Angeles—experienced officials raising alarms only to be ignored or pushed aside. Public safety should always come first, and if city leaders are more focused on political maneuvering than addressing real concerns, the people of Los Angeles are the ones who will pay the price.
“As a humble public servant for over the past 30 years, 25 of those with the LAFD, it has been an absolute honor to represent and lead the8a men and women of one of the greatest fire departments in the world. As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career. I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian,” Crowley said in a statement.
