With the proliferation of fire a threat to community safety and security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the appointment of Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

A 22-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Crowley is the first woman and the first LGBTQ Fire Chief to lead the LAFD. She will be sworn in at the next HSAC meeting on September 14, 2023.  

“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,” said Secretary Mayorkas, adding “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.”  

Once sworn in, Chief Crowley will become the second Fire Chief to sit on the HSAC, demonstrating that fires are an increasing threat to homeland security.  

Through the U.S. Fire Administration, DHS supports first responders, including firefighters across the country, as they prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards. This year, DHS provided $684 million to fire departments through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. These funds are used to hire, maintain, equip and train critical frontline personnel.

The HSAC was originally established in 2003 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, a federal law that governs the establishment and operation of committees that provide consensus and advice to a federal government agency. The members of HSAC provide independent advice and recommendations to the Secretary on the Department’s wide array of vital missions based on their extraordinary experience and unique perspectives.

HSAC Members include former Cabinet Secretaries from both Democratic and Republican administrations; chief executive officers from the technology, energy, transportation, financial, food and consumer product sectors, as well as venture capital industries; executive leaders of national law enforcement organizations; Presidents and CEOs of non-profit organizations dedicated to human rights, government accountability, community security and empowerment leaders of nonpartisan policy institutes; and other leading professionals.  

In its last meeting in March of this year, HSAC discussed opportunities to modernize DHS and improve mission delivery. A readout of the Council’s meeting can be found on DHS.gov. 

For more information on HSAC, please visit DHS.gov/HSAC.