FDNY officials are increasing pressure on firefighters who expressed their disapproval of state Attorney General Letitia James during a lively promotion ceremony, according to a memo obtained by The Post.
The document emphasized that while individuals are free to express their opinions about politicians when off duty, it is important to refrain from doing so while on the job, during other members’ working hours, or during their families’ time. The document encouraged individuals to exercise their right to vote and protest on their own personal time.
The department’s Bureau of Investigations and Trials is actively pursuing the offenders, as emphasized in the memo. This aligns with a recent email from Chief of Department John Hodges.
According to a memo issued on Sunday, firefighters have been informed that BITS (Behavioral Intervention and Training Section) is collecting video footage to identify members who have brought discredit to the department. The memo emphasizes the importance of members coming forward voluntarily and states that they will be required to report to headquarters to receive education on why their behavior is considered unacceptable.
According to the memo, the department’s reputation with the ceremony’s host has been significantly harmed, and there is a possibility of losing the venue as a result.
The controversy arose from a department ceremony held on Thursday at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. As James made her way to the podium, the crowd, which consisted of the families of captains, battalion chiefs, and civilians being promoted, expressed their dissatisfaction with loud jeers.
James urged the crowd to calm down, reminding them that they were in a sacred place.
“Appreciate your willingness to let it all out.”
As James delivered her speech, the initial booing quickly transformed into chants expressing support for former President Donald Trump.
The crowd roared, chanting “Trump! Trump! Trump! Trump!”
In a landmark ruling last month, the Attorney General (AG) successfully secured a $454 million civil fraud judgment against Trump. The judge was convinced that the former president intentionally inflated the value of his New York State holdings in order to deceive banks and investors.
President Trump has decided to appeal the court’s decision.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh was not pleased with the display at the ceremony and immediately initiated an investigation to identify the firefighters responsible.
Andrew Ansbro, the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, expressed his disappointment over the outburst at the ceremony. However, he emphasized that the union will continue to support its members unwaveringly.
“We’re all quite disappointed with how things unfolded. It wasn’t meant to be a political gathering,” Ansbro expressed to The Post on Sunday. “Letitia James has always been a friend of the UFA. This turn of events is disheartening, especially since it took place in a church. It’s simply not the appropriate setting for such matters.”
“Some members seized the moment to voice their convictions, despite it not being the appropriate time or setting for such expressions.”
However, Ansbro made it clear that the organization will vigorously support any of its members who encounter disciplinary actions.
The Uniformed Fire Officers Association, which represents lieutenants, firefighters, and other ranking members, issued a message advising caution to anyone who may face intense questioning regarding the incident.
“We strongly recommend all members to adhere to the rules and regulations of the department during these visits, as well as any subsequent inquiries that may arise,” stated the message.
“If any member believes they are being investigated based on the nature of certain questions, they must promptly inform the UFOA and ask for representation. No further inquiries should proceed until a UFOA representative is present.”
According to FDNY spokesman Jim Long, the department’s investigation into the lively ceremony is not politically motivated. Instead, it focuses on ensuring professionalism at an official event.
Long reassured, “No one is actively pursuing anyone.”
One city politician believes that the FDNY brass has crossed the line.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola, chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of upholding First Amendment rights for everyone, regardless of their occupation as a city worker.
“I commend the swift action taken by the UFOA in response to this issue,” Ariola expressed. “They fulfilled the role of a union admirably, disseminating information and offering representation to those in need.”
They deserve praise for taking action and standing up for their members.
