Leadership within the New York City Fire Department has apparently changed course on their initial decision to pursue disciplinary action against lower-ranking members who expressed disapproval by booing Attorney General Letitia James during a departmental event.
During the Democrat’s appearance at Brooklyn’s Christian Cultural Center, some attendees expressed disapproval by booing and chanting “Trump!” multiple times. Chief of Department John Hodgens of the FDNY denounced this behavior as unacceptable and stated that those identified in video footage from the event would face internal investigation. This reversal follows objections from a union representing firefighters within the department regarding the possibility of disciplinary measures against its members.
During the occasion, the FDNY was in the process of appointing Reverend Pamela Holmes as the first black female fire chaplain. Attorney General James attempted to pacify the audience by reminding them of the sacred setting they were in, but the booing intensified, eventually evolving into chants of the former president’s name.
Louis Gelormino and Mark Fonte, attorneys from F&G Legal Group based in Staten Island, volunteered to provide pro bono representation to any firefighters facing disciplinary action for their booing during the event. The heckling occurred in the aftermath of Attorney General James’ legal victory, which resulted in a court ordering 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump to pay $355 million for allegedly inflating his wealth to obtain more favorable loan terms.
Additionally, the former president will be responsible for paying interest, potentially amounting to a total of $450 million, as stated by James. This sum will accrue until it is settled by the former president. James declared that this outcome signifies the delivery of justice and hailed it as a significant triumph for the country.
In an email addressed to top FDNY officials, Hodgens mentioned the Fire Department’s Bureau of Investigation and Trials (BITS) conducting an inquiry and suggested that those responsible for the heckling should step forward voluntarily to avoid being pursued. Gelormino characterized the heckling as minimal rather than a significant uproar and criticized Hodgens for blowing the situation out of proportion.
Subsequent to Hodgens’ cautions, the FDNY’s spokesperson refuted his statements, asserting that there was no investigation conducted into individuals who booed and no pursuit of anyone involved. The spokesperson clarified that the department was examining individuals who had potentially violated regulations.
