The Southern Truth: Mayor Bass Removes Chief Crowley Effective Immediately, Why Is She Still On the Payroll?

The Southern Truth

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

Mayor Karen Bass made a bold move today by removing Kristin Crowley, the first female and openly lesbian Fire Chief of Los Angeles, from her post. Crowley, who broke barriers in March 2022, is now embroiled in controversy that has left many asking: Why is she still drawing a paycheck from the city?

Crowley’s removal comes after an extensive investigation into one of California’s most devastating wildfires. The tragedy, which destroyed thousands of homes in the Palisades and across Los Angeles, could have been prevented, according to reports. Despite having access to over 1,000 firefighters, Crowley sent them home just before the blaze erupted. This decision is raising serious questions about competence and leadership.

In her public statement, Mayor Bass explained that Crowley’s failure to act led to unnecessary destruction. “We know that 1,000 firefighters could have been on duty that morning, but instead, they were sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch,” Bass said. “Her refusal to complete an after-action report on the fires, as instructed by the Fire Commission, sealed her fate.”

What’s even more shocking is the revelation that, despite being fired, Crowley is still on the city’s payroll. Using her civil service rights, she remains employed at a lower rank within the department, reporting to Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva. This raises an important question: How can a leader who failed so catastrophically still collect a salary from the taxpayers?

The fires that broke out on January 7, 2024, resulted in 29 deaths, 18,000 damaged structures, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. The scale of the destruction is beyond tragic, and yet Crowley—whose top priorities included promoting DEI—failed to effectively lead during one of the most critical moments in L.A. history.

Crowley’s controversial leadership comes on the heels of a warning she issued to Mayor Bass in December 2024, saying that budget cuts had severely impacted the department’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies. While Bass disagreed with this assessment, the question remains: Could these budget constraints have influenced Crowley’s disastrous decisions?

But the real issue here is accountability. A fire chief who fails to deploy necessary personnel, refuses to document the aftermath of a crisis, and leaves citizens vulnerable in the face of disaster should not simply be demoted and allowed to remain on the payroll. Crowley’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contributed to the loss of life and property. To allow her to stay on at the Fire Department—drawing a taxpayer-funded salary—is a slap in the face to the victims of the fire and the public safety officers who risked their lives to protect them.

Call to Action:

Mayor Bass, your removal of Chief Crowley was a necessary first step, but it is not enough. The people of Los Angeles deserve better than a leader who failed them when it mattered most. Taxpayer money should not continue to fund someone who endangered lives and allowed widespread devastation. You have the authority to ensure that Chief Crowley is completely removed from the city payroll—this is not just about correcting a leadership mistake, but about ensuring that those who serve the public are held accountable for their actions.

It’s time for a true reckoning. The victims of this tragedy, the first responders, and the residents of Los Angeles demand more than just a symbolic gesture. We deserve a mayor who will take decisive action to ensure that failure at this level does not go unpunished. Fire Chief Crowley should not be allowed to remain in any capacity within the Fire Department. Your leadership on this issue will send a strong message that no one is above the consequences of their actions.

The Southern Truth