Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley has been tapped as the newest member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council, the federal agency announced Wednesday.
The decision to appoint the 23-year LAFD veteran comes in light of an “increased focus on the increasing proliferation of fire as a threat to community safety and security,” according to a Homeland Security statement.
Crowley is slated to be sworn in at the next HSAC meeting, on Sept. 14.
“Chief Crowley is well versed in the dual challenges firefighters face as first responders and as a critical line of defense in responding to extreme weather events like wildfires,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.
“DHS will benefit tremendously from her experience, as well as her professionalism and dedication to the workforce, which are vital to safeguarding communities across our country. I am honored to appoint Chief Crowley to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.”
Crowley will become the second fire chief to sit on the HSAC.
She said her appointment to the HSAC comes at a fortunate time, as she recently completed a three-year commitment on the National Fire Academy’s Board of Visitors, which provides guidance to the U.S. Fire Administration, including its fire safety training and emergency response programs.
“It’s such an honor to be able to step into this advisory role on the homeland security side, where we work again with leaders from both the private and public sectors,” said Crowley, who became LAFD chief last year and will mark her 24th anniversary with the department in October.
“Ultimately, our job is to come together and provide that independent advice and support to the Secretary of Homeland Security.”
Crowley emphasized that appointments to HSAC are “purposeful,” to ensure “diverse thoughts and experiences.”
She also thanked Mayor Karen Bass for connecting her to the advisory council, and ultimately leading to her appointment.
“I’m bringing to the council … that unique perspective of a first responder — an understanding of the large amounts of emergency incidents and all risk-types of incidents that fire service respond to as a whole,” Crowley said. “I’m confident I’ll be brining in that unique lens when it comes to providing input, experience and expertise.”
Through the U.S. Fire Administration, DHS supports first responders across the country. This year, DHS provided $684 million to fire departments through the Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant program, and the Assistance to Firefighters grant program.
Those funds are used to hire, maintain, equip and train front-line personnel.
The HSAC was established in 2003 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which governs the establishment and operation of committees that provide advice to federal agencies.