Who Is Kristin Crowley: The Inspiring Journey of LA’s First Female Fire Chief

Kristin Crowley is a name that will forever be remembered in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). She broke barriers, led with integrity, and brought meaningful change in one of the largest fire departments in the United States.

As the first female and first openly LGBTQ+ fire chief in Los Angeles, Crowley’s story is one of courage, resilience, and relentless dedication to public service.

Early Life and Education

Kristin Crowley was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From a young age, she displayed strong leadership qualities and a desire to help others. Her academic journey led her to Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she majored in biology.

Initially aspiring to become a surgeon, her career path took a significant turn after she participated in an internship program as a paramedic. That experience changed her life and set her on the path to firefighting.

As a student-athlete in college, Crowley played both soccer and basketball, which helped shape her discipline and determination. She credits her athletic background with giving her the confidence and endurance needed in the physically demanding world of firefighting.

Career Rise in LAFD

Kristin joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2000. At that time, women represented a small minority in the department. Crowley rose through the ranks steadily, proving herself through each role she took on. Her positions included firefighter, paramedic, engineer, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, and eventually deputy chief.

In 2016, she became the department’s first female fire marshal, marking another historic achievement in her career. Her success was not only due to her skills on the field but also because of her leadership qualities, professionalism, and ability to bring people together under a common goal.

Her big leap came in March 2022 when she was appointed as the 19th Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. This made her the highest-ranking officer in a department with more than 3,500 firefighters and nearly 106 fire stations.

Vision and Leadership Style

Chief Crowley brought a fresh perspective to the department. One of her main goals was to make LAFD a more inclusive, safe, and respectful place to work. Under her leadership, the department launched a strategic plan focused on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

She implemented regular internal communication programs, such as department-wide town halls and “Chats with the Fire Chief,” where she listened to employees’ concerns and worked on improving workplace culture. Crowley was known for her transparent leadership style, listening to feedback from all levels and creating actionable strategies based on those insights.

Her time as fire chief also focused on improving safety procedures, training, and infrastructure within the department. She was deeply committed to protecting not only the public but also the mental and physical health of her firefighters.

Personal Life

Kristin Crowley is married to Hollyn Bullock, a retired LAFD firefighter. Together, they are raising three children. As an openly gay couple, their relationship was historic within the traditionally male-dominated and conservative firefighting community. Crowley’s openness about her personal life made her an icon for LGBTQ+ representation in public service.

Despite the pressure that came with being in the public eye, Crowley never shied away from who she was. Her marriage, family values, and professional dedication served as a powerful message that leadership comes in many forms, and authenticity can coexist with excellence.

The 2018 Woolsey Fire: A Defining Moment

One of the most defining moments in Crowley’s career happened during the 2018 Woolsey Fire. While off duty, Kristin and Hollyn joined the effort to defend homes in Malibu, using hoses and buckets to fight back the flames. Their actions saved nine out of ten homes on their street.

This act of courage exemplified the kind of leader Crowley was—someone who didn’t wait for a command or wear a badge to do what was right. It also showed her unwavering commitment to her community, even when off the clock.

Budget Cuts and Wildfire Challenges

In 2025, Los Angeles faced one of its worst wildfire seasons in history. The Palisades Fire caused widespread destruction, and response times were stretched thin. Chief Crowley became vocal about the severe budget cuts the department had faced that year. She pointed out that a $17 million budget reduction had a direct impact on their ability to respond effectively.

These cuts affected overtime availability, firefighter staffing, fleet maintenance, and hydrant functionality. During the fires, several hydrants failed, and many backup units were unavailable. Crowley spoke out publicly, warning city officials and the public about how these issues were putting both lives and property at risk.

Her honesty sparked political controversy. Some city officials accused her of mismanagement, while others believed she was being used as a scapegoat to deflect attention from deeper issues in city governance and funding.

Removal from Position

On February 21, 2025, Chief Kristin Crowley was dismissed from her role by Mayor Karen Bass. The mayor cited her alleged failure to prepare adequately for the wildfires, including not mobilizing additional firefighters and not filing an after-action report.

Crowley, however, defended her actions, pointing to the lack of resources and infrastructure problems that hindered an otherwise capable department. She stated that the real failure was in the city’s financial decisions and not in the department’s operational conduct.

Legal Action and Continued Advocacy

After her dismissal, Kristin Crowley filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming wrongful termination, defamation, and violation of her First Amendment rights. She argued that her firing was a direct result of her speaking out against budget cuts and defending her department.

The lawsuit reignited public debate around transparency, leadership, and accountability. Many within the LAFD and the public viewed Crowley as a principled leader who chose integrity over political safety.

Salary and Public Compensation

During her time as Fire Chief, Crowley’s annual salary was approximately $367,000. This included base pay, overtime, and benefits. She earned more than her predecessor, a reflection of her increased responsibilities and the challenges faced during her tenure.

Current Role and Future Outlook

Despite her dismissal, Crowley was reassigned to the LAFD’s Operations Valley Bureau as Assistant Chief. Her supporters believe that her expertise and leadership continue to benefit the department, albeit in a different capacity.

She also continues to speak on public safety, gender representation, and fair governance. Crowley has become a symbol of integrity in public service, and many believe she may pursue advocacy or even public office in the future.

Legacy

Kristin Crowley’s story is far more than a tale of firsts. It is a story about what it means to lead with principle, to advocate for what is right even when it comes at personal cost, and to leave an institution better than you found it.

Her legacy in the LAFD is marked by courage, reform, and heart. From the fire lines of Malibu to the top office in one of the nation’s largest fire departments, Kristin Crowley has inspired a new generation of leaders who now know that change, while difficult, is possible and worth fighting for.

Sources

• Times Now News – Article: “Who is Kristin Crowley—LAFD Chief?”
• Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) – Official website and leadership biographies
• NBC Los Angeles – Coverage of her appointment and wildfire response
• ABC7 Eyewitness News – Local reporting on her tenure and department developments
• Los Angeles Times – In-depth stories on her leadership and impact