Former LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley speaks out after termination by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

LOS ANGELES — Kirstin Crowley issued her first public statement on Saturday following her dismissal as the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

In her statement, Crowley emphasized her commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the firefighters in order for them to effectively serve the communities.

“I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian,” she added.

There was no mention of the dismissal nor the mayor in Crowley’s statement.

Bass fired Crowley Friday afternoon, citing failures in leadership and blaming her for improperly staffing the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Mayor Bass justified the decision to relieve Crowley of her role as Fire Chief by stating, “In the interest of public safety in Los Angeles and the efficient functioning of the Fire Department, I have chosen to remove Kristin Crowley from her position.”

Bass made her first public appearance on Saturday since making the bombshell announcement.

She attended an event in Bell where she helped families displaced by the Eaton and Palisades fires.

During the event, Bass gave Eyewitness News a quick statement responding to critics about the sudden change in leadership in the LAFD.

“She was absolutely not scapegoated, I would never do that. But it is important for us to understand what happened,” said Bass.

This comes after her decision to fire Crowley was met with diverse reactions.

Los Angeles Councilmember Monica Rodriguez was one of many who disagreed with the mayor’s decision.

In a statement released Friday, Rodriguez said, “I am outraged by the scapegoating revealed by the Mayor’s actions. I plan to use my authority as a Councilmember to set the record straight and encourage Chief Crowley to appeal the Mayor’s baseless termination to the City Council.”

Meanwhile, Crowley has decided to exercise her rights under civil service rules and stay with the fire department at a lower rank. Her duties will be assigned by Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva.