LAFD chief removed over handling of LA fires
Share and Follow


() Kristin Crowley has been removed as chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, with Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva taking over the role on an interim basis.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cited Crowley’s decision-making during the wildfires that devastated the Los Angeles area as the reason for Crowley’s removal.

“We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch,” Bass said. “Furthermore, a necessary step to an investigation was the president of the Fire Commission telling Chief Crowley to do an after-action report on the fires. The chief refused.”

Villanueva is a 41-year veteran of the LAFD. After seven months of retirement, he is returning as interim chief. He spent 24 of those years in the field on active assignments and also has experience in emergency management.

President Donald Trump has been a harsh critic of Bass, the LAFD and California Gov. Gavin Newsom for how the fires were handled and previously suggested he would withhold emergency aid if the state did not take actions he deemed important.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Pro-life leader praises Vatican's 'inspiring' anti-abortion Nativity scene: 'It's really beautiful'

Vatican’s Powerful Anti-Abortion Nativity Scene Garners High Praise from Pro-Life Leaders

The Vatican’s latest Nativity scene has received praise from the head of…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Dispute Over Finances Sparks Shooting Incident at Northside Jacksonville Restaurant Parking Lot

In a troubling incident early Tuesday morning, a man in his 30s…
Nick Reiner hires high-profile defense attorney after arrest for parents' murder

Nick Reiner Retains Prominent Defense Attorney Following Arrest in Parents’ Murder Case

The legal landscape surrounding Nick Reiner, who faces grave accusations of murdering…
Trump official joked in Vanity Fair shoot would get them fired

Trump Official’s Lighthearted Comment During Vanity Fair Photoshoot Raises Eyebrows

A close associate of Donald Trump humorously remarked that the Vanity Fair…
Rob Reiner and wife Michele had throats slit in their bed

Shocking Incident: Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Found with Slit Throats in Bed

Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were discovered in their bed with…
'It's just sad': Jacksonville neighbor describes chaos after officer-involved shooting

Jacksonville Resident Expresses Discontent Following Officer-Involved Shooting Incident

A Jacksonville neighborhood is coming to terms with a harrowing night marked…
Jewish community in Jacksonville mourns victims of attack in Australia amid holiday celebrations

Jacksonville’s Jewish Community Honors Australian Attack Victims During Holiday Observance

Rabbi Schmuli Novack from the Chabad of Jacksonville Town Center finds himself…
Disney World sparks fury for rolling out 150 percent price hike

Disney World Faces Backlash Over 150% Ticket Price Increase

Disney World has faced intense criticism online following the announcement of a…