DEI-Certified LAFD Deputy Chief Sparks Outrage with ‘He Got Himself in the Wrong Place’ Comment About Carrying a Man Out of a Burning Building
DEI-certified Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Deputy Fire Chief Kristine Larson is facing sharp criticism for comments she made regarding her physical ability to carry a man out of a fire as the region battles raging wildfires that have claimed at least 10 lives and displaced tens of thousands of people.
The controversy stemmed from a video in which Larson addressed concerns about her strength as a firefighter. In the video, she recounted hearing doubts such as, “Is she strong enough to do this?” and “You couldn’t carry my husband out of a fire,” The Post Millennial reports.
Larson responded by saying, “My response is, ‘He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out of a fire.” These comments quickly sparked backlash on social media, with many questioning her commitment to the physical and technical demands of the job.
In addition to discussing her physical capabilities, Larson emphasized the importance of diversity among first responders.
“You want to see somebody that responds to your house, your emergency—whether it’s a medical call or a fire call—that looks like you,” she said.
While many supported her view on representation, others criticized her for prioritizing DEI concerns over the practical skills needed to save lives in the midst of a fire.
The response was swift and widespread. Elon Musk expressed his disapproval, writing on X, “This is seriously messed up.”
“Remember, if you’re a man and you end up trapped in a fire, you got yourself in the wrong place. If you’re a criminal and you got sent to jail, you’re a victim of systemic racism. Welcome to Los Angeles!” wrote Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro.
Other users on the platform commented, “She literally just admitted she’s incapable and unqualified,” while another questioned, “When your home is engulfed in flames and your loved ones are trapped, do you care if the firefighter looks like you, or do you care if they have the strength and skill to pull your family to safety?”
As Los Angeles County continues to battle devastating wildfires, the controversy surrounding Larson’s comments has intensified. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze currently threatening the area, has destroyed more than 5,300 structures, including schools, churches, libraries and businesses, according to Newsweek.
With the fire still uncontained, officials are struggling to manage it as strong winds and dry conditions make firefighting efforts increasingly difficult. Aircraft have been grounded in some areas due to dangerous wind speeds, and the economic damages are estimated by AccuWeather to be between $135 billion and $150 billion, potentially making it the most costly wildfire in U.S. history.
The LAFD’s mission statement emphasizes a commitment to “emergency preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery” and calls for service with “courage, integrity and pride.” Critics argue that Larson’s comments undermine this mission, suggesting that political correctness is taking precedence over the practical skills required to combat deadly fires.
As the fires rage on, the National Guard has been deployed to assist with search-and-recovery operations and to enforce anti-looting measures in evacuation zones. The LAPD has also arrested a suspect in connection with one of the fires, suspected of arson, as reported earlier by Resist the Mainstream.
Larson’s professional credentials, which include a DEI certification from Cornell University and participation in the International Association of Fire Chief’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program, highlight her commitment to advancing DEI within the fire service.
She has also held various roles within the LAFD, including in the Firefighter Recruitment Section, the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Equity and Human Resources Bureau.
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