Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Jan. 18 the nomination of the first woman to lead the LA Fire Department (LAFD) in the city’s history. If confirmed by the city council, Kristin Crowley will become the city’s 19th fire chief. A 22-year veteran of the department, Crowley now serves as LAFD’s acting chief deputy and first female fire marshal. Crowley is also the program director for the department’s youth development program and has helped 1,000 high school students continue their education, according to a written statement by the mayor. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to be the next fire chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department and to lead the department into the future,” Crowley said during the announcement outside the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. “We will focus our efforts on increasing our operational effectiveness, enhancing firefighter safety and well-being, and fully commit to fostering …