Leadership within the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has put an end to discussions regarding disciplinary measures against firefighters who expressed dissatisfaction during a recent appearance by Empire State Attorney General Letitia James.
This is a humiliating defeat for James who has been ascended to the national stage with her indictment of former President Donald Trump. No doubt Trump had a good laugh watching those firefighters boo James.
A spokesperson for the FDNY informed Fox News on Wednesday that there had been no official investigation into the incident, contradicting previous reports of an internal email from senior officials.
FDNY reverses course on 'hunt' for firefighters who booed Letitia James, cheered Donald Trump https://t.co/Tr7bB3zKqS
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 14, 2024
This development follows an incident at a promotion ceremony held at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, where some attendees reportedly booed James and chanted "Trump! Trump! Trump!" as she took the stage.
According to reports, FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens distributed a stern set of guidelines in response to the incident, labeling the behavior as "unacceptable." However, there had been no formal probe into the matter, despite earlier indications suggesting otherwise.
The purported shift in approach came after initial reports indicated that the department's Bureau of Investigation and Trials (BITS) would review video footage from the event and potentially pursue disciplinary action against those involved.
FDNY spokesperson Jim Long clarified that the focus was on addressing any breaches of department regulations, emphasizing professionalism rather than political motivations.
FDNY leadership adopted a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing efforts to uphold the department's core values and professionalism.
A spokesperson underscored the honor of serving as a NYC firefighter and stressed the importance of maintaining decorum at official events.
Meanwhile, Attorney Louis Gelormino, who offered pro bono legal representation to firefighters facing potential disciplinary action, commended the recent developments.
Gelormino welcomed the FDNY's decision to abandon discussions of disciplinary measures, though he remained prepared to defend FDNY members should the need arise in the future.
Attorney General Letitia James also sought to de-escalate tensions, expressing her continued respect for the FDNY and extending solidarity with its members. She emphasized a desire to move past the incident and focus on collaborative efforts moving forward.
Overall, the decision by FDNY leadership to halt discussions of disciplinary measures marks a shift toward ending the attention caused by the situation in the heated political year that is likely to include a presidential rematch between Trump and Biden.
As both sides seek to move past the incident, the focus remains on fostering a positive and collaborative environment within the FDNY.
