LAFD union boss who blamed lack of funds for limited response to wildfires took home $500,000 in pay and overtime

Published April 30, 2025 4:53pm ET

Freddy Escobar, the president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, broke down in tears when he blamed the fire department’s lack of money for its limited response to the catastrophic LA fires that ripped through towns, burned down businesses, and left thousands homeless earlier this year.

Escobar said he had warned “for years” that a disaster of such magnitude could happen and that more money was needed.