Crowley appeals dismissal as LAFD chief to LA City Council

Kristin Crowley, the former chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, is appealing her recent termination by Mayor Karen Bass to the Los Angeles City Council. Crowley was dismissed over alleged failures in leadership during the deadly Palisades Fire, including not deploying firefighters adequately and refusing to complete an after-action report. To be reinstated, she needs the support of 10 out of the 15 council members, a challenging prospect given that several, including Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, publicly backed Bass' decision. However, Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park have expressed support for Crowley's appeal, labeling the firing as scapegoating and criticizing the lack of consultation on the decision. The mayor's office has acknowledged Crowley's right to appeal while maintaining that her removal was justified due to leadership failures. The situation has sparked division within the council, as members debate the implications of Crowley's dismissal amid ongoing recovery efforts from the wildfire.