Recent demotions and ensuing protests cast cloud over FDNY promotions ceremony
NEW YORK -- There is a major controversy surrounding the FDNY due to the demotions of three chiefs, moves that allegedly prompted two senior officials to react in protest.
The uncomfortable situation was felt at a promotions ceremony on Tuesday.
New York's Bravest filled the room with cheers for fellow FDNY members as 113 were promoted. But at the start of the ceremony, when Commissioner Laura Kavanagh was introduced, there was faint clapping and some booing.
Following that, there was loud and long applause for Chief of Department John Hodgens, who sat alongside Kavanagh.
It all came in reaction to recent shakeups at the department. CBS2 was told Kavanagh recently demoted three chiefs and we asked why.
"I'm picking a staff that's going to lead us forward into the future and accomplish the goals of myself and the mayor and, most importantly, a staff that's going to serve what the members need every day," Kavanagh said.
While the FDNY didn't go into specifics about the demotions, Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Lt. James McCarthy described the decisions as being out of the norm.
"Generally, in the fire department, you don't get demoted unless you have criminal charges or department charges. Other agencies demote people and move people around. The Fire Department doesn't do that," McCarthy said. "It creates about 150 years of firefighting experience and a skill set that you can't replace in a short manner of time. So it impacts the safety of the people of the city, as well as the people of the Fire Department."
The move apparently resulted in two top chiefs asking to step down from their titles in protest -- Hodgens, who as previously mentioned, was present at the ceremony, and Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito, who spoke at a fire scene on Sunday.
Kavanagh said she respects their decision.
"We all have a right to our team and I'm going to pick a team that's willing to accomplish the mission. It is totally acceptable to me and I said that to them last week that if they don't want to do that with me that they have a right to that," Kavanagh said.
In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said the commissioner has his full support.
"She is promoting a culture of true leadership, accountability, and performance within the FDNY. As Commissioner Kavanagh made clear, she and her senior team work for the rank and file and the people of this city. Those who do not agree with that view have chosen to leave the FDNY. Regardless, New Yorkers can rest assured that the FDNY is as prepared as ever to keep them safe and respond to any and all emergencies," Adams said.