LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today met with and removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief effective immediately. Mayor Bass announced she has appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran, as Interim Fire Chief.
“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said. “I have appointed a 41-year veteran of the LAFD, former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, as Interim Fire Chief. He is respected, and he is ready to hit the ground running.”
Los Angeles leaders, community members and fire professionals commend Mayor Bass’ decision to appoint new LAFD leadership:
Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson
"Chief Villanueva's more than 40 years of experience come at a critical time for the City of Los Angeles. I support the Mayor's decision and have full confidence in his abilities as we work to move the city forward."
Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez
“With over four decades of experience, Chief Villanueva brings a deep understanding of the department and the needs of our city to this role. I want to thank him for his leadership, and I look forward to working with him to keep our communities safe.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian
"Accountability, protocol and proper preparation are paramount during any emergency situation, most especially one of the magnitude we just experienced. I thank Chief Crowley for her commitment, dedication and service to the LAFD, and I stand by Mayor Karen Bass in her decision to remove Chief Crowley effective immediately. I look forward to working with Interim Chief Villanueva while continuing our road to recovery and building back a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles."
Jon O’Brien, Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations, County of Los Angeles Fire Department
"I have had the honor of calling Chief Ronnie Villanueva a friend and fire service partner for over a decade. In that time I have found him to be a true professional committed to both the communities he is sworn to serve and his firefighters. He is a leader who has risen through the ranks and knows what it takes to get the job done."
Mario Rueda, San Marino Fire Chief
“Chief Villanueva has an unparalleled assignment history, ascending to the rank of Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations of the LAFD and the day to day leader of field operations of the Department. Chief Villanueva also served as confidant to several Fire Chiefs largely based on his knowledge of the LAFD and his ability to provide good counsel. In this difficult time, Chief Villanueva will bring a steady hand to the LAFD.”
John Nowell, Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief (Retired)
“I was very excited to hear today that Ronnie Villanueva has been selected to be the Fire Chief for the LAFD. In my 35-year career on the LAFD I had the honor and pleasure of working with Chief Villanueva for several decades. His vision, commitment to safety, and deep understanding of challenges facing the City of Los Angeles and citizens we serve are qualities that will serve the City and Fire Department well. His experience with over 41 years in the department, dedication, and passion for public safety have already made an incredible impact and I am confident that his leadership will steer the department to new heights of excellence and service. It is my belief that Chief Villanueva exemplifies the motto of the Los Angeles Fire Department: “Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride.”
Maryam Zar, Chair Emeritus, Pacific Palisades Community Council
“It is not lost on anyone that any move that’s made after the fact does not change the devastation. People’s lives have been upturned and the recovery ahead will be long. But an acknowledgment that major missteps were made and that accountability is the cornerstone of the public trust is important, and this is a good step in that direction.”
Steven R. Fazio, Former City of Los Angeles Fire Commissioner
“I’ve known Chief Villanueva for 15 years, I can think of no better person to assist our city and the Fire Department, and to serve at the helm at this time.”
Joe Buscaino, Former Los Angeles City Councilmember
“As someone who has known Ronnie Villanueva since I was a teenager, I can say without a doubt that the Los Angeles Fire Department is in the best hands. His parents were my childhood neighbors, and throughout the years, I have witnessed firsthand his dedication to public service and his unwavering leadership. When I served as Councilmember, Ronnie was the Battalion Chief in the Harbor Area. During that time, I saw his calm and collected approach to every challenge, his deep institutional knowledge, and his ability to bring people together. He is a steady hand in times of crisis, a trusted leader, and a mentor to so many in the department. Ronnie embodies everything we need in a Fire Chief — experience, integrity, and an innate ability to lead with confidence and compassion. I have no doubt that under his leadership, the Los Angeles Fire Department will continue to strengthen its commitment to the people of this city. Ronnie is the right choice to steady the ship, and I fully support him in this critical role."
Jonathan Williams, President and CEO, Battleship IOWA and LA Fleet Week
"I have had the privilege of working with Chief Villanueva on numerous initiatives since the Battleship IOWA arrived in Los Angeles and have witnessed his extraordinary leadership firsthand. His dedication, integrity, and ability to inspire have earned him the deep respect of both the Los Angeles Fire Department and the community. Mayor Bass couldn’t have chosen a better person to serve as Interim Fire Chief, and I have no doubt he will continue to lead with excellence."