Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley, who Californians have celebrated as the first lesbian woman to hold the position, has recently come under fire for continuing to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as the devastating wildfires continue to ravage Southern California. After being appointed to lead the fire department in 2022, Crowley launched a DEI bureau in early 2023.
Reportedly, Crowley was committed to rolling out a three-year plan that would align the Los Angeles Fire Department with the woke ideology. However, amid the fires and the perceived decline in competent leadership in the state, many have blasted California for not prioritizing meritocracy and effective governance.
Explaining what the LAFD’s “chief priorities” are, the chief’s biography on the fire department website still reads, “Creating, supporting, and promoting a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity while striving to meet and exceed the expectations of the communities are Chief Crowley’s priorities.” Crowley has continually voiced her commitment to DEI in other statements as well.
“People ask me, ‘What number are you looking for?’” Crowley previously explained to a reporter. “I’m not looking for a number; it’s never enough.” Speaking about bringing more of the LGBT community into the department, she added, “They feel included; they feel valued, and they feel part of a cohesive team. … That just kind of opens the door of people who thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t even know that that was an opportunity for me.’”
This past summer Crowley also led the LA Pride Parade. “This feels like a whole other level, especially being part of the parade as a grand marshal of the Los Angeles Fire Department. It’s very humbling,” she continued. “I have been proud to participate in the pride parade over the past few years, but this is extra special—being able to be out front and represent the department and our community as a whole.”
The American Tribune reported on other controversy with the Los Angeles Fire Department leadership involving the head of the LAFD DEI bureau, Assistant Chief Kristine Larson. “You wanna see somebody that responds to your house, your emergency, whether it’s a medical call or a fire call that looks like you, it gives that person a little bit more ease, knowing that somebody might understand their situation better,” she said, seemingly placing DEI above competent firefighters.
In the viral clip, Larson dismissively addressed concerns about female firefighters. “‘Is she strong enough to do this’?” Larson said before adding, “Or, ‘you couldn’t carry my husband out of a fire.’” Appearing to downplay the fact that firefighters are employed by taxpayers to save them from such situations, she said, “Which my response is he got himself in the wrong place, if I have to carry him out of a fire.”
As the fires raged through Los Angeles, Larson’s comments sparked substantial backlash. One user on X raised the question, “Is this who you want responsible for saving you or one of your loved ones!? But remember, she doesn’t have to be qualified she just has to fit the DEI criteria!” Another person said, “Note to ALL of Los Angeles: LAFD Assistant Chief Larson thinks “You got yourself in the wrong place” This fire is all of your fault, basically. You shouldn’t be in your homes expecting to be safe. That’s just ludicrous!”
Watch the clip below:
Featured image credit: LAFD website
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