Mayor Bass Taps Jaime Moore As New L.A. Fire Chief To Heat Up Reform

Big Changes on the Horizon for LAFD

Los Angeles is getting a fresh face at the helm of its fire department, and it’s got that SoCal homegrown vibe. Mayor Karen Bass dropped the news on Friday, naming Deputy Chief Jaime Moore as the new chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a move that’s got the city buzzing from Hollywood to the Valley. Pending City Council approval, Moore is set to step into some big boots, becoming the second Latino to take the role and the first Spanish-speaking chief in LAFD history.

This appointment isn’t just a title change - it’s a signal of major reform. At a downtown press conference, Bass laid out her vision, emphasizing the need to prep L.A. for everything from massive emergencies to global events rolling into town. Think World Cup, Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games - all happening on our turf, with the world watching.

Moore, a true Angeleno raised right here in the City of Angels, is stepping up from his role as deputy chief of the Operations Valley Bureau. With roots in Santa Monica (shoutout to Samo High) and a UCLA degree, he’s got the local cred and the brains to match, plus a master’s in public administration and emergency management from Cal State Long Beach. Since joining LAFD in 1995, he’s been grinding through the ranks, and now he’s ready to lead.

A Vision for a Safer, Stronger L.A.

Bass didn’t hold back on why Moore’s the guy for the job. She’s banking on him to overhaul the LAFD, making sure the department’s ready for whatever chaos comes next - whether it’s a wildfire raging through the hills or a 911 call backlog that needs fixing. It’s all about keeping our sprawling city safe, from the beaches of Venice to the streets of DTLA.

'I’m hyped to work with Chief Moore to make the LAFD a powerhouse for protecting Angelenos, especially with major events on the horizon and emergencies always around the corner,' Bass said.

Moore himself is stepping into the role with mad respect for the team he’s about to lead. He replaces Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva, who held down the fort after Bass controversially fired former Chief Kristin Crowley earlier this year. Moore’s got big plans, promising to focus on disaster prep, boosting staffing, and rolling out tech and data to keep L.A. ahead of the curve. 'It’s an incredible honor to lead this world-class crew,' he shared, giving props to the sworn, civilian, and volunteer members who are the heart of LAFD.

From Local Roots to Leading the Charge

Moore isn’t just a desk jockey - he’s got deep ties to the community and decades of boots-on-the-ground experience. Born in Louisiana but raised right here in L.A., he’s been shaped by the city’s grit and diversity. His career trajectory, from a rookie in ’95 to deputy chief, shows he’s got the chops to handle the heat - and we’re not just talking about SoCal summers.

His appointment’s already getting love from the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the union repping LAFD’s bravest. They’re hyped to collab with Moore, especially since they’ve been vocal about the department being understaffed and under-resourced for way too long. On X, they straight-up called him 'the right leader at the right time' to push LAFD forward - high praise from a crew that doesn’t mess around.

Moore’s also got a focus on morale and culture within the department, something that’s been a sore spot lately. With strategic changes on deck, including pre-deployment for disasters and gearing up for those mega world events, he’s aiming to make sure every firefighter and paramedic has what they need to protect this massive city of ours.

The Drama Behind the Change

Crowley’s Controversial Exit

Let’s not forget the drama that paved the way for Moore’s nomination - it’s straight out of a Hollywood script. Former Chief Kristin Crowley was shown the door by Bass on February 21, following a messy fallout over the deadly Palisades Fire. That blaze, sparked by a brutal Santa Ana wind event on January 7, torched parts of the ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood (yep, those multi-million-dollar homes didn’t stand a chance).

Bass pointed fingers at Crowley for not pre-deploying around 1,000 firefighters ahead of the disaster, and allegedly dragging her feet on an after-action report - though Crowley’s pushed back hard on that claim. The mayor also wasn’t happy about missing a personal weather update from Crowley before the historic windstorm, even though warnings were blasting everywhere for days.

Legal Heat and Lingering Questions

The plot thickened when Crowley fired back with a damages claim against the city in August, alleging her termination was retaliation. She’s been outspoken about Bass’ budget cuts and what she calls decades of neglect, leaving LAFD stretched thin, underfunded, and understaffed in a city that just keeps growing. It’s a bold accusation, and it’s got folks in L.A. talking about whether the department’s been set up to fail.

This legal battle adds a layer of heat to Moore’s new gig - he’s walking into a department with some serious baggage. Can he turn the tide, boost morale, and get the resources the union’s been begging for? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: all eyes are on him as he takes the reins.

For now, L.A.’s waiting to see if the City Council gives Moore the green light. If they do, he’s got a chance to redefine what safety looks like in a city that’s always got something brewing - whether it’s a wildfire, an earthquake, or just another day in the 323. Stay tuned, fam, because this story’s just getting started.