The recent incident at the FDNY’s promotion ceremony, where Attorney General Tish James was heckled, has sparked a discussion about the role of the FDNY bosses in preventing such behavior. While many agree that the booing was immature and inappropriate, it is important to note that this is not the first time such behavior has occurred at these events. Last year, the fire commissioner himself was booed at the same ceremony in the same building. However, the department’s decision to launch an investigation and call for members to turn themselves in seems more like a political maneuver than a genuine attempt to address the issue.
The FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association is willing to sit down with the administration and have a discussion about how to handle these types of ceremonies in the future. It is important to remember that the promotion ceremony has always been a jovial event, filled with celebration and camaraderie. Members often blow off steam and engage in light-hearted antics, such as a man in a horse-head costume running across the stage or bringing “fat head” posters of their comrades. The atmosphere has often been described as carnival-like, with sirens and air horns breaking any awkward silences.
It is understandable that some members felt that James’ attendance politicized the event, but their jeers were in poor taste. The question arises: where were the top brass when the chants started? They were present, seated in the best seats in the house, yet they did nothing to settle the crowd down. This failure to supervise raises questions about their leadership and ability to handle such situations.
The late-hour memo threatening an investigation and an “education” at headquarters came days after the event, leaving many wondering what happened in the interim. The FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association represents over 20,000 members who work tirelessly to keep communities and citizens safe. Regardless of political beliefs, they work side by side every day, supporting each other when needed. The union president, Andrew Ansbro, apologizes to AG James for the incident and hopes that his apology will be accepted. However, he also emphasizes the need to vigorously defend the members, as their actions were not new and if they were wrong, the leaders who should have stopped them failed to do so.
While a re-education class on public behavior may be warranted, it is important to reserve the best seats in the house for the chiefs. The article concludes by stating that disciplinary action should be off the table. It is clear that there are differing opinions on this matter, but it is crucial to address the issue without resorting to a witch hunt. The focus should be on finding a solution that ensures future events are respectful and inclusive, while also acknowledging the long-standing traditions and camaraderie of the FDNY.
