UPDATE: In a decisive move, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Jaime Moore as the new Fire Chief, just months after the city faced its most destructive wildfire in history. This announcement was made on Friday, following the ousting of former chief Kristin Crowley over her management of the catastrophic Palisades Fire, which ravaged the area starting on January 7, 2023.
The Palisades Fire devastated nearly 8,000 homes and businesses and tragically resulted in at least 12 fatalities. Bass’s decision to appoint Moore comes after a nationwide search that included over 100 candidates. He steps into a role that demands immediate action and strategic overhaul in a department under scrutiny for its wildfire response.
Moore, a seasoned veteran with 30 years in the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), previously oversaw operations in the Valley Bureau, managing 39 fire stations and more than 980 personnel. His extensive experience positions him as a critical leader during a pivotal time for the department. In his new role, he has vowed to focus on enhancing disaster preparedness, improving departmental morale, and ensuring adequate staffing and resources.
“I’m proud to appoint an Angeleno to this role, and I know that he will work to improve the LAFD for everyone in this city,” said Bass, emphasizing the urgent need for reform within the department. The appointment is seen as a strategic move as Bass faces a challenging reelection campaign amid ongoing financial and homelessness crises in the city, all while rebuilding from the January fires.
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City quickly praised Moore’s appointment, stating, “Throughout his career with the LAFD, Chief Moore has shown strong leadership and a deep commitment to the department.” This endorsement highlights the sentiment of hope and renewal within the firefighting community.
Moore’s background includes a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master’s in public administration and emergency management from California State University, Long Beach. His diverse experience within the department, along with his personal ties to the community—having been raised by a mother who immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico—brings a unique perspective to his leadership.
The timing of this appointment is critical. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Los Angeles is under pressure to enhance its disaster response capabilities. The city has struggled with budget cuts that have left fire stations understaffed and unable to respond effectively to emergencies. Crowley, the first female fire chief, was dismissed after a public fallout over the handling of the Palisades Fire, which raised significant questions about accountability and preparedness.
In a move that underscored the tensions within the department, Crowley has since filed a legal claim against the city, alleging an “orchestrated campaign of misinformation, defamation, and retaliation” following her termination.
As the LAFD and city officials grapple with the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, attention now turns to Moore and his leadership. He is expected to implement immediate changes to ensure the department is better prepared for future disasters as investigations continue into the cause of the fire, believed to have originated from a smaller blaze earlier in January.
Moore’s leadership will be crucial in restoring public trust and enhancing the capabilities of the LAFD. As Los Angeles faces these pressing challenges, the community eagerly watches to see how the department will evolve under his guidance.
