STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh was on the receiving end of boos at a promotion ceremony Tuesday following the demotion of three top fire officials.
At the same event, a fire official from Staten Island, who recently gave up his title in protest, was cheered.
In a video obtained by the New York Post, the commissioner is announced at the beginning of the Brooklyn event and a mix of applause and loud boos can be heard.
At one point, Capt. Andrew Brown addresses the crowd, saying: “Quiet down, gentlemen.’’
A source told the New York Post that the officials — Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Joe Jardin, Assistant Chief of Operations Michael Gala and Assistant Chief of Operations Fred Schaaf — were apparently demoted due to the “way they undermine their counterparts.”
FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, when announced at the event, was applauded. He stood and saluted the crowd, the New York Post reported.
Kavanagh had allegedly told deputy chiefs that she was tired of officials asking for promotions, department cars and other perks.
Hodgens and Chief of Operations John Esposito, in protest of the demotions, have voluntarily given up their titles.
“I’m picking a staff that’s going to lead us forward into the future and accomplish the goals for myself and the mayor, a staff that is going to serve what the members need every day,” Kavanagh said to reporters after the ceremony.
When asked about Hodgens and Esposito, Kavanagh said they were still working in their positions.
“Whatever they decide to do, I will accept their decisions,” she added.
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