FDNY Investigates Firefighters Who Booed New York Attorney General Letitia James at Promotion Ceremony
The FDNY has responded to reports that it is targeting firefighters and staff members who booed New York Attorney General Letitia James and chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!” during a recent promotion ceremony. FDNY spokesman Jim Long clarified that the department is simply investigating those who violated department regulations and emphasized that it has nothing to do with politics. Long stated, “Nobody is hunting anyone down. It’s about professionalism at an official event held in a house of worship.”
The New York Post initially reported that FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens wrote in an email to department leaders that the FDNY’s Bureau of Investigation and Trials was looking into the incident and would identify the individuals involved. Hodgens encouraged them to come forward voluntarily, stating that it would be better for them if they did so. The department aims to address the behavior and uphold the standards of the FDNY.
During the promotion ceremony, Attorney General Letitia James attempted to calm the crowd after receiving a barrage of “Trump!” chants. James urged everyone to “simmer down” and thanked them for getting it out of their system. She continued with her remarks, honoring the swearing-in of the first African American woman chaplain of the FDNY, Rev. Pamela Holmes, and other first responders.
The event saw the swearing-in of 65 uniformed members from Fire Operations, EMS Operations, and the Bureau of Fire Investigation, along with 29 members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and 34 civilian employees assuming their new roles. However, the disruptive behavior of some firefighters drew criticism from Chief Hodgens. He stated that the ceremony was meant to celebrate the accomplishments of the promoted members and that those who distracted from the celebration brought embarrassment to the esteemed fire department.
Attorney General Letitia James gained prominence through her months-long civil trial against former President Donald Trump in New York City. The trial alleged that Trump had inflated his assets and committed fraud. Judge Arthur Engoron recently ruled in favor of James, finding Trump liable for over $350 million in damages and prohibiting him from operating his business in New York for three years. James has expressed her preparedness to ask the judge to seize Trump’s assets if he fails to pay the $354 million judgment.
As the FDNY investigates the incident at the promotion ceremony, it remains committed to maintaining professionalism and upholding the standards of the department. The behavior of a few individuals should not overshadow the achievements and dedication of those being honored. The FDNY continues to serve as one of the world’s best fire departments, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community it serves.
