Los Angeles has a new leader at the helm of its fire department: Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, who was announced Friday by Mayor Karen Bass as Kristin Crowley’s replacement.
Villanueva retired just seven months ago after more than four decades with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Before his retirement, he served as Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations. Now, he returns to oversee the department on an interim basis.
“I am humbled by your confidence in me,” Villanueva said at the press conference announcing his appointment. “I’ve spent 41 years at the Los Angeles City Fire Department, working alongside the finest fire professionals in the world. Leading them is an honor of a lifetime.”
He pledged to the mayor, firefighters and the people of Los Angeles that the department would remain ready to serve, saying, “the Los Angeles City Fire Department will respond, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department will keep you safe.”
Here are some things to know about the new chief:
1. He is a veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Before becoming a chief officer, Villanueva spent 24 years in the field at active assignments. He joined the LAFD in 1983 and rose through the ranks, serving in various leadership roles, including battalion chief, assistant chief, and Deputy Chief of the LAFD South Bureau, which covers the southern region of Los Angeles, stretching from Mid-City to the Port of Los Angeles.
His special duty assignments included serving as Captain at Drill Tower 89, Battalion Chief in the Community Liaison Office, and Assistant Chief in Homeland Security and the Port of L.A.
2. He is from San Pedro and studied at local schools.
Villanueva grew up in harbor area community and attended San Pedro High School, Los Angeles Harbor College, and California State University Long Beach.
3. He aimed for a leadership role — and pursued higher education to prepare.
In 2022, Villanueva graduated from the Executive Master of Leadership (EML) Program at the University of Southern California. In a Facebook post where USC introduced new students, Villanueva shared that he joined the program to further his education and build a foundation for pursuing other interests—potentially even politics—after retiring from the LAFD.
4. He enjoys staying active and family time.
Outside of work, Villanueva loves spending time with his family, exercising and playing golf.
5. He has been a mentor and educator throughout his career.
Villanueva has dedicated time to mentoring the next generation of firefighters, serving as an Explorer Post Advisor at Fire Station 2 and Fire Station 16.
6. He said his love for the department is the reason he’s coming out of retirement.
“And to all the firefighters, I want you to know, the love that I have for this department is the reason I’m coming back in this capacity,” Villanueva said at the press conference. “I watched last month as you were in the fiercest firefight in Los Angeles history, bravely battling the fires for days on end. I’m grateful to work alongside all of you once again.”
7. His time as chief is temporary.
While Villanueva serves as interim chief, Mayor Karen Bass said her office will lead a national search for a permanent replacement and will speak directly with firefighters and Angelenos about the qualities they want in the next fire chief.
8. There’s at least a small chance that he’d be pushed back out.
According to the City Charter, the mayor has the authority to remove most department heads without City Council approval. However, Crowley has the right to appeal her removal within 10 calendar days.
“The council may reinstate the chief administrative officer by a two-thirds vote of the council,” the city charter says. “Failure of the council to reinstate the chief administrative officer during this time period shall constitute a denial of the appeal.”
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents District 7, issued a statement shortly after Bass’s announcement encouraging Crowley to appeal. She also said she will use her authority as a councilmember to “set the record straight,” signaling her support for Crowley’s reinstatement.