Welcome to Making Maverick Moves, the podcast where we explore the bold decisions and unorthodox paths taken by extraordinary individuals. This episode is both timely and sobering. Before the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January 2025, Gina L. Osborn sat down with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in November 2024. At the time, Chief Crowley shared a Maverick Move she was making, one rooted in the reality of operating a fire department with limited resources. She spoke candidly about the challenges of fulfilling her mission without the funding or tools her team desperately needed. Little did we know, within weeks, that her words would take on an even more profound significance. As fires ravaged communities like the Pacific Palisades, reservoirs ran dry, fire hydrants failed, and lives were forever changed. Chief Crowley faced intense criticism in the aftermath, particularly for publicly addressing her department's three years of budget cuts. Some accused her of deflecting blame; others saw her as a leader speaking hard truths in an impossible situation. Today, we revisit that December conversation, recorded before the fires, where Chief Crowley revealed her Maverick Move in the making. It's a testament to the complexities of leadership under pressure.