Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley on Nov. 22 launched the LAFD’s inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau, which will focus on ensuring a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace in the department.

“We believe in, and are committed to, justice in Los Angeles, and we focus an equity lens on every aspect of our work,” Garcetti said. “The Bureau of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will help to ensure that our progress is permanent and we’re always moving forward with a city government and institutions that reflect and value our diversity.”

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau will focus on building and fostering a department committed to engaging and respecting the humanity of all its members, reflected in recruitment and hiring, workplace conduct, retention and promotion. The DEI Bureau will be fully staffed by January and will be led by Deputy Chief Stephen Gutierrez, the department’s first chief equity officer.

In January 2022, Garcetti appointed Crowley, the first woman to lead the LAFD. This year, of the more than 6,500 applicants to LAFD, 70% were people of color and nearly 8% of candidates were female, which is double the current percentage of female firefighters within the department. The LAFD Girls Camp, which introduces young women 14-18 to career opportunities in the department, recently resumed operations after the pandemic.

“The LAFD is fully committed to creating positive change,” Crowley said. “With the new DEI Bureau, the department will develop and drive forward key diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and initiatives to enhance the LAFD’s work environment and performance. We will maximize our efforts to build and promote a culture where our diversity is truly valued and our work environment is safe and supportive for all.”

For information, visit lafd.org.