Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph M. Terrazas made his first public statements following his abrupt firing by Mayor Karen Bass. In a press conference held at the Fire Department headquarters on Monday, Terrazas expressed gratitude towards his staff and the community for their support during his tenure, which lasted over six years. ‘I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as chief and proud of the achievements we made in enhancing public safety and addressing wildfire risks,’ Terrazas stated. He also emphasized that the force he built is uniquely trained for emergency responses across various situations and expressed disappointment with the sudden nature of his dismissal. Mayor Bass has yet to provide further comments regarding the termination. Additionally, Terrazas highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the department, such as mental health issues within the ranks and the urgent need for fire safety education amidst increasing climate unpredictability. Following Terrazas’s remarks, several firefighters from the LAFD expressed their support for him, stating that he was a vocal advocate for their working conditions and safety measures. Despite the transition in leadership, Terrazas encouraged the department to stay focused on their mission. ‘This is a call to action for all firefighters to maintain their commitment to the community,’ he noted.
Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Makes First Public Comments Since Firing
