The FDNY leadership has issued a stern internal memo to its firefighters following an incident at a promotion ceremony where pro-Trump members booed State Attorney General Letitia James. The memo, distributed across New York City firehouses, underscored the department’s commitment to professionalism, urging firefighters to refrain from political expressions while on duty.
The controversy unfolded during a ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, where Letitia James, who recently secured a $454 million civil fraud judgment against former President Donald Trump, was met with boos and chants supporting Trump as she approached the podium. The department’s leadership expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such conduct, especially within a religious venue.
Chief of Department John Hodges and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh have signaled their intent to identify and reprimand the firefighters involved, stressing the importance of maintaining the FDNY’s reputation and professionalism. The internal memo highlighted the potential repercussions of the incident, including the possible loss of the venue for future departmental events.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association have responded to the situation by advocating for their members. While acknowledging the disappointment over the outburst, they emphasized their commitment to supporting firefighters facing disciplinary actions, reminding members of their rights and the importance of following departmental rules and regulations.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola, chair of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, voiced support for the firefighters’ First Amendment rights, praising the unions for their proactive stance in defending their members. The FDNY’s investigation into the incident aims not to suppress political expression but to uphold the standards of conduct expected at official events, ensuring that all members represent the department with the highest degree of professionalism.