New York City Fire Department leaders have eliminated the possibility of a “manhunt” by rank-and-file members who heckled Empire State Attorney General Letitia James when she took the stage at a ceremony last week.
An FDNY spokesperson told Fox News on Wednesday that “there has been no investigation into member booing,” contradicting reports of internal emails from higher-ups that have given the department half a week of bad press. It seems there is.
According to the New York Post, FDNY Director John Hodgens handed out a list of controversial issues last week after some members booed James and chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!” It is said that I was on stage at a promotion ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.
The group said the behavior was “unacceptable” and the members who appeared in the video of the event will undergo an internal investigation.
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New York State Attorney General Letitia James tells the crowd to “calm down.” (FDNY)
Hodgens is said to have warned FDNY officials in an email Friday that “BITS is investigating this matter and will figure out who the members are.” “I encourage them to come forward. The commissioner said it’s better for them if they come forward. We don’t have to corner them.”
BITS refers to the Department’s Bureau of Investigations and Trials. Hodgens said there was “clear video” of the incident and that BITS would contact those who declined to come forward.
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The alleged persecution outraged not only the general public but also current and former members of the department.
“I think they were making a mountain out of a molehill,” said Staten Island attorney Luis Gerolmino. He and F&G Legal Group partner Mark Fonte had offered to represent firefighters under investigation for free.
“Let’s put this into perspective. When Letitia James came on stage, there was a little bit of booing. It wasn’t really a big fuss. Just a little bit at best. And it was about 15 It was a Trump chant for seconds or 20 seconds, and that’s it.” ”
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Mr James spoke at the promotion ceremony, where 65 uniformed members of the Fire Service, Emergency Services and Fire Investigation Service were sworn in to their new roles, as well as 29 members of the Fire Department and 34 civilian personnel. (FDNY)
The FDNY has already downplayed reports that it was hunting anyone in the first place.
“No one is cornering anyone,” FDNY spokesman Jim Long told FOX News Digital in an email Sunday. “We are investigating a person who clearly violated departmental regulations. It has nothing to do with politics. It is a matter of professionalism at official events held at the chapel.”
The ministry further softened its language on Wednesday.
“FDNY leadership has ongoing conversations with our members about etiquette during department events to ensure that the core values that make FDNY the best fire department in the world are upheld,” a spokesperson said. told FOX News. “It is an honor to be a New York City firefighter, and we will continue to impress upon our members that their actions impact everyone who wears the uniform.”
Fire Chief Laura Kavanaugh and Chief John Hodgens meet with Prince William at the FDNY Fire Department on September 19, 2023 in New York City. (Dimitrios Cambris/Getty Images)
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James also sought to keep the temperature down Wednesday, telling Politico’s Playbook that he doesn’t believe anyone should be disciplined for the suspension.
“The events of last Thursday do not diminish my respect for the brave men and women of the FDNY,” she told the outlet. “I’m still with them, and I’ll be with them tomorrow.”
Attorney Gerolmino praised recent developments by James and FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh, but said he supports James’ offer to defend FDNY members if the city changes course again.
FDNY Director John Hodgens, surrounded by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other officials, speaks about the firefighting effort following a fire at 2 St. Nicholas Place in Manhattan, New York, on February 23, 2024. (Barry Williams, NY Daily News, via Getty Images)
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“I think if they handle it that way, they both look like bigger people,” he told FOX News Digital. “If they don’t respond that way, we’re ready to fight. Or, hopefully, that’s the case and the fire department steps forward and everyone steps forward and does what they set out to do. We protect the people of New York City if we can, and the men and women of the New York City Fire Department are doing an incredible job.”
Last year, FDNY Local 2507 advised members to immediately ask for union representatives when approached by BITS officials, warning that investigators were “leading” members into confrontations that resulted in disciplinary action. did.
New York Attorney General Letitia James looks on as former President Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan on October 25, 2023. (Dave Saunders/Pool via Reuters)
Kavanaugh’s tenure was also turbulent. She had never been a firefighter until she joined the FDNY as a civilian employee in 2017. After becoming her chief secretary, she said last year she had a feud with her own former top chief, who asked for her demotion in response to her policies. post.
“This is the first time I’ve seen dirty laundry being hung to dry like this,” Gerolmino said. “She needs to connect better with the rank and file again. The New York City Fire Department has never been questioned. They’re doing a great job.”
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James’ office recently sued former President Trump in civil court in New York City, winning a $350 million judgment against him last month. She also won a lawsuit against former NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, who was ordered to repay $5 million in funds improperly disbursed to the organization.
Mr. James was honored at the ceremony and invited to the event by new FDNY Chaplain Pamela Holmes, who is also a friend of the Attorney General.
