Pro-Trump firefighters drive out FDNY commissioner

Former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has resigned after a turbulent tenure filled with controversy and discontent among New York's bravest. Kavanagh, who served less than three years, announced his resignation in July, citing a litany of issues, including an age discrimination lawsuit and growing tensions with FDNY leadership. His tenure was marred by scandal and tension with conservative firefighters, he said Breitbart.

In March, Kavanagh hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when she was called a “fascist pit bull”. The reason? An investigation into FDNY firefighters who dared to boo and chant “Trump” during a promotion ceremony when Attorney General Letitia James, known for her tireless legal battles against the former president, took the stage. This was clearly an attempt to silence these firefighters from exercising their First Amendment rights, an act that many did not like.

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Video footage of the event shows the AG's dismissive attitude as he told firefighters to “simmer” as they voiced their displeasure. Kavanagh, through FDNY Department Chief John Hodgens, launched an investigation to locate those involved. In a threatening email obtained by the Daily Mail, Hodgens informed department leaders that the Bureau of Investigations and Prosecutions (BITS) would identify the firefighters involved.

“BITS is in on this and they will find out who the members are,” Hodgens wrote. “I advise them to come forward now because the commissioner has made it clear that they will be better off if we don't have to hunt them,” he warned. He asked deputy chiefs to compile a list of those who complied and send it directly to FDNY operations, adding that anyone who failed to come forward would be identified through clear video evidence and BITS would be put on contact

An FDNY retiree told the New York Post that firefighters felt they were being “hunted down” for expressing their political views. “It was a political stunt to have the AG there. When it blew up in their faces, they unleashed their fascist pit bulls on the guys for simply exercising their First Amendment rights,” the retiree said, noting that most of the firefighters involved were off-duty and not in uniform.

As the backlash grew, the FDNY eventually withdrew from the investigation, with spokesman Jim Long telling Fox News that “nobody is prosecuting anybody.” He tried to spin the situation, saying the investigation was about maintaining professionalism in a departmental act, not silencing political views. But the damage was done, and Kavanagh's grip on the department weakened.

Kavanagh's resignation was finally announced a few months later, paving the way for new leadership. On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams named Robert Tucker, CEO of T&M USA, as his replacement.

“Public safety has been my life's work,” Tucker said. “Serving as New York City's Fire Marshal is the greatest honor of my career.”

Official statement by Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro on the appointment of new FDNY Fire Chief Robert Tucker:

“It's great to see that the new commissioner has long and deep ties to the FDNY and great appreciation for the pic.twitter.com/jMoWshrHik

— FDNY UFA (@UFANYC) August 12, 2024

FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro praised Tucker's appointment, noting his deep ties to the department and his respect for the rank and file. “From his early beginnings in communications and his lifelong hard work and dedication, which led to his appointment to the FDNY Foundation Board of Directors, his experience makes him uniquely qualified to understand the changes that could be do to improve efficiency in the department by increasing the availability of units, which would lead to a decrease in response times”. Ansbro said.