A fire department ceremony last week in New York City took an unexpected turn when state Attorney General Letitia James was met with boos and a pro-Donald Trump chant. This incident has raised concerns within the union representing New York City firefighters, as they fear potential disciplinary action against their members.
During a department promotions ceremony in Brooklyn on Thursday, the Democrat, who recently secured a $355 million penalty against the Republican former president for his false claims about his wealth, was met with a barrage of disapproving jeers.
James urged the crowd at the Christian Cultural Center to calm down, reminding them that they were in a house of God. Amidst the aggressive chanting of Trump’s name, he encouraged everyone to simmer down.
The note emphasized that department members have the right to express their political beliefs but not while they are at work.
According to the department, Thursday’s ceremony was not a political gathering. James attended the event not to deliver a political speech, but rather to show his support for Rev. Pamela Holmes as she took the oath of office as the department’s first Black female chaplain.
“When you’re off duty, you have the freedom to hold your own opinions about politicians,” the message stated. “Exercise your right to vote and participate in protests if you wish. However, it is important to refrain from engaging in these activities during work hours, when you are representing your job, your colleagues, and their families. Reserve these actions for your personal time.”
Officials are urging individuals who participated in the chants to step forward. Department investigators are currently reviewing video footage of the incident.
According to Andrew Ansbro, the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the taunts directed at James are “unfortunate”, especially considering James’ longstanding support for firefighters.
However, he contended that promotion ceremonies often exude a lively and festive atmosphere, with individuals enthusiastically blowing air horns and occasionally donning costumes.
According to Ansbro, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh faced criticism during a particular event last year, where she was even booed. However, despite the negative response, there was no active attempt to target or seek re-education within the department.
“We are worried that all our members will face disciplinary action because of this,” he expressed his concern. He pointed out that despite the heckling, the top officials present on Thursday chose not to intervene.
Ansbro emphasized the need for the department to have a thorough discussion and establish clear guidelines. He also stressed the importance of involving the unions in this process to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
The union’s concerns were not addressed on Monday, as representatives from the FDNY and James’ office did not respond to them.
The FDNY spokesperson, Amanda Farinacci, stated in an email that the incident that occurred on Thursday is still being investigated. She also mentioned that fire chiefs made visits to firehouses over the weekend to remind firefighters about the importance of displaying appropriate behavior during department ceremonies.
Alan Dershowitz, a retired Harvard Law professor who served on then-President Trump’s legal team during his 2020 impeachment trial, raised doubts about the Department’s assertion that the firefighters’ actions were inappropriate.
