FDNY firefighters are facing potential censure for booing Attorney General Letitia James and chanting “Trump” at a recent promotion ceremony. The incident has sparked controversy and led to calls for those involved to turn themselves in. However, it is argued that the blame lies with the FDNY brass, who should have anticipated the crowd’s reaction given the firehouse culture.
Although James has a friendly history with the firefighters union, she has been in the news lately for prosecuting former President Trump. Her reputation as an anti-Trump politician has earned her both praise and criticism. It is worth noting that the audience at such events is typically made up of families and fellow firefighters, many of whom may be Trump supporters.
The FDNY claims that its search for those involved in the incident has nothing to do with politics. However, critics argue that if a conservative politician had been heckled or a pro-Palestine chant had been shouted, there would not have been a similar witch hunt. The anger stems from the crowd embarrassing department leaders by expressing dissatisfaction with a member of New York’s Democratic elite.
The department issued a warning memo reminding firefighters that they have the right to hold their own political beliefs but should not express them while on duty or during official events. However, it is argued that it was the brass who made the event political by inviting James, who has a history of using her official standing to criticize Trump in unprofessional ways.
The article concludes by cautioning the department against setting a fire they cannot put out. The FDNY already experienced a blow to morale and a wave of resignations due to leadership decisions made by Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. It is emphasized that New York City needs its heroes and should not hold them to a different standard of behavior when their politics clash with those of the city elite.
