FDNY Leadership Faces Backlash Over 'Hunt Down' Comment

The FDNY retracts controversial directive amid criticism, emphasizing decorum and core values in ongoing discussions.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh faced heckling at the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade following a controversial call to 'hunt down' firefighters who booed NY AG Letitia James.
The controversy began when FDNY members booed AG Letitia James during a promotion ceremony, leading to an internal email by FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens threatening to 'hunt down' those involved.
Chief Hodgens later retracted his statement, clarifying that the term 'hunt' was a poor choice of words and that there was no investigation into members booing.
Criticism arose from elected officials, union leaders, and civil rights lawyers, labeling the directive as authoritarian and a violation of free speech.
Despite the backlash, FDNY leadership has been engaging in conversations with members about decorum during department events, emphasizing the importance of upholding the FDNY's core values.