>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
“In many ways, the current staffing, deployment model, and size of the LAFD have not changed since the 1960s,” Crowley wrote.
The memo revealed alarming statistics: 61% of the department’s firefighters failed to meet the national 4-minute first-response standard in 2022. Additionally, Los Angeles employs just 0.91 firefighters per 1,000 residents, far below the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended 1.51 to 1.81 firefighters per 1,000 residents.
Crowley’s warnings were clear—LAFD was underfunded, understaffed, and unprepared to handle the increasing demand for emergency services. Yet, instead of addressing these issues head-on, Bass’ administration appears to have taken steps to sweep them under the rug.
Deleted Memo Sparks Outrage
The damning memo, which had been cited in various news outlets, including a New York Times article and a KNBC segment, mysteriously disappeared from city servers. The timing couldn’t be worse for Bass, whose leadership is already under scrutiny for her handling of the LAFD budget.
When asked about the memo’s deletion, Bass’ office sidestepped the question and instead pointed to an article in the Los Angeles Times touting a $53 million pay raise for firefighters. However, critics argue that the pay raise doesn’t address the root problems—insufficient staffing and outdated systems—that Crowley highlighted in her memo.
Adding fuel to the fire, Bass had slashed the LAFD’s budget by $17 million last year, leaving many to question her priorities. While firefighter salaries may help attract recruits in the future, the cuts have already hindered the department’s ability to perform its duties effectively.
Bass and Crowley’s Tense Relationship
Crowley’s memo and her decision to go public with the department’s struggles reportedly enraged Bass. According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, Crowley believed she was on the verge of being fired after her comments.
“Before their meeting, Crowley was ‘telling everybody goodbye, because she was told the whole purpose of the meeting was to fire her,’” the source revealed. However, Bass ultimately decided against terminating Crowley, either due to public backlash or a persuasive argument from the fire chief herself.
A Leadership Crisis
As Los Angeles residents grapple with the devastating effects of wildfires, many are questioning Bass’ leadership. Deleting a memo that detailed the city’s fire department crisis only adds to the perception that Bass is more focused on damage control than solving problems.
KICK OUT The Cold and Say Hello to The Handyheater! Warming Any Spot INSTANTLY!
“Either Bass realized it would be suicide to fire her, and came to her senses, or Crowley talked her out of it,” the source added. Yet the question remains: if firing Crowley was political suicide, what does erasing public records say about Bass’ priorities?
With lives lost, homes destroyed, and trust eroded, Bass faces mounting calls for accountability. Critics argue that her administration’s mishandling of the LAFD budget and her reaction to Crowley’s memo have exposed a troubling pattern of negligence.
As Los Angeles burns, Bass’ leadership is under a microscope. And for the residents left to pick up the pieces, the mayor’s missteps could have consequences far beyond political fallout.
