This email address is being protected from spambots. Former FDNY assistant chiefs who were demoted by Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh have filed a lawsuit demanding they and other chiefs affected by the . Former Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro appointed Hodgens chief of fire operations last year. Communication and Planning Before Reaching the Fireground: Unit Cohesion Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. Massucci complained that he was transferred from his post as chief of uniformed personnel and sent to the bureau of operations without cause. Massucci joins Hodgens, Esposito and FDNY Deputy Assistant ChiefFrank Leebwhohave requested in writing to be demoted to deputy chiefand moved out of the departmentsMetroTechheadquarters in downtownBrooklyn. The past year has been challenging on so many levels. By Captain Steven Aviles, Stress: The Firefighters Constant Companion 2 min read. Annual Christmas Dinner - Thursday, DECEMBER 9, 2021, THE THOMAS R. ELSASSER FUND IS IN NEED OF OUR HELP, FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 2021, Wake & Funeral: Retired Battalion Chief Henry G Cartwright. Kavanagh has abused the office of Fire Commissioner, violated the oath of office, put the public and members of the FDNY at risk, and retaliated against senior staff for raising safety concerns about leadership decisions, the lawsuit claims. She [Kavanagh] can move people in the department to better the safety of the department and all New Yorkers, a source with knowledge of the commissioners thinking told The News. All rights reserved. By Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb, Chief of the Fire Academy, and Daniel Madrzykowski, PhD, P.E. Enough said. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC. Staff chiefs at the Feb. 3 meeting, which included Chief of Department John "Jack" Hodgens, the most senior uniformed official in the FDNY, and Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito,. 00:00. Of course, the high-level fracas has ended up in the courts. Bureau of Fire Prevention Response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Outbreak Level Your Ladder You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Commissioners without firefighting backgrounds, including Scopetta, succeeded because they listened to the seasoned fire chiefs under them, the staffer said. Its also brought demands for demotions from other staff chiefs which Kavanagh has not approved. Isn't the commissioner of the FDNY a "whitey"? After FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh demoted three FDNY chiefs over the weekend, two of the departments top uniformed officials gave up their own positions in protest, the Daily News has learned. The chiefs have not established that the departure or demotion of officials with experience commanding four- or five- alarm fires creates a likelihood of irreparable harm to the public, Kovner wrote on Thursday. The recruiting standards will also be watered down along with the entry level mental and physical requirements. She wanted out of the box thinking, but was peppered with requests about overtime and department-issued take-home cars, according to a recording of the gathering shared with The News. Gala, Jardin, Schaaf and Michael Massucci, a deputy assistant chief, filed a suit in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Feb. 27 which their lawyer, Jim Walden, soon tried to move to Brooklyn Federal Court. After about a year as chief of fire operations, John J. Hodgens rises to the highest-ranking uniformed position. In Lawsuit, FDNY Chiefs Demand Reinstatement of Incident Commanders to Protect Public Safety. In the past, firefighters would get in trouble if they videotaped or audiotaped anything happening at the firehouse, so the same should apply here, the source said. The chiefs griped that Kavanagh makes all her decisions with a small circle of aides among them an ex-NYPD lieutenant and that she ignores their years of experience. FDNY Firefighters receive an incredible benefits package and a competitive salary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. 24C - Director - Fire Tools & Equipment. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Meetings Get instructions and view the schedule for our virtual membership meetings. To remove these experienced officials from their essential safety functions puts lives at risk and is simply a gross misjudgment and dereliction of duty by the Commissioner, said Walden. Also on Friday morning, John M. Esposito was appointed chief of fire operations. check out the. Lexipol. Jim Walden, an attorney for the chiefs, said his clients were among some of the citys most decorated chiefs who devoted their lives to the service of public safety.. Or, like some in the FDNY, you could see the feud burning between FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and her top chiefs as a towering inferno of entertainment despite its impact on a public . Leonard, who was known for his abrasive comments and for offering up an occasional misogynistic slur, quietly left the department after he was removed from duty for inappropriate behavior. There are still a lot of Leonards in this department, a source close to Kavanagh said. Kavanaghs supporters say she is simply trying to build the best team possible keep the city safe and make the department more inclusive for women and people of color. Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Massucci said he was transferred from chief of uniformed personnel and sent to the toolroom in the Bureau of Tech Services to humiliate him. On the Cover: Queens Box 22-1278, 439 Beach 66th Street/Beach Channel Drive, April 15, 2020. By Deputy Chief John A. See it as a matter of life and death involving the only men remotely capable of saving New Yorkers from giant fires or as a sirens-blaring ego trip for prideful, old-school Fire Department chiefs who cant bear having a younger woman as their boss. My real deputy chief said good call on my part he will take care of it and did. She joined the Fire Department in 2014, and moved through a series of of high-level administrative jobs until she took over as acting commissioner in February 2022, after Adams election and the retirement of the previous commissioner, Daniel Ngro. The chiefs went asked Kovner to reconsider on Friday and for a second time, the judge shot them down. The four chiefs 31-page complaint cites news articles to claim Kavanagh and her aides are engaging in a media smear campaign against them. Adams released a statement late Monday, offering "full support" of Kavanaugh. after he was removed from duty for inappropriate behavior.. A third FDNY chief has surrendered his post as Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh sat down with the department's leadership team in what was described as a "bizarre" attempt to smooth over the . automotive branding agency; foreclosed homes panama city, fl; commercial real estate mn . At a department meeting of any kind, you are free to speak, exchange ideas and discuss them, the source said. FL Union Votes 'No Confidence' in Chief Amid Probe of LODD, Bryant's Widow Reaches $28.5M Settlement over Leaked Crash Photos, Demoted FDNY Chiefs File Suit to Get Jobs Back, have requested in writing to be demoted to deputy chief. The Board of the Fire Chiefs Association hopes this issue of In Command finds everyone healthy and safe. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and her . NYFD uniforms and bunker gear. Kavanagh complained that her staff chiefs hadnt brought her any new ideas. By Deputy Assistant Chief Michael V. Meyers, Chief of Safety, and Lieutenant Matthew Quinn, FIRE PREVENTION MATTERS Say what you will about the Rubbermen, but they stick together, unlike the NYPD that would shank each other for a hit of that sweet sweet OT or another shiny medal on their epaulet. New York Daily News. In 2010, shortly after Cassano was promoted to commissioner, his first deputy commissioner, Daniel Shacknai, ordered Phillips to turn over the file on the favoritism complaint. It just didnt happen, the source said. She said, "I'm picking a staff that's going to lead us forward into the future and accomplish the goals of myself and the . TWO HIGH-RANKING FDNY CHIEFS SURRENDER TITLES IN PROTEST AFTER COMMISSIONER DEMOTES THREE OTHER CHIEFS IN SHAKE UP. asked in solidarity to be demoted and put back in the field. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC. Four FDNY assistant chiefs sued FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh for demoting them and others, alleging New York City Mayor Eric Adams' appointee is a "political operative" jeopardizing public safety. 0:00 0:00. All rights reserved. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, LODD: Buffalo firefighter dies after being trapped in blaze, N.Y. authorities release name of Buffalo firefighter killed in downtown fire, Ala. FD lieutenant fights to keep rank after scheduling incident, Mo. The current interim Fire Commissioner is Laura Kavanagh, who succeeded Daniel A. Nigro in February 2022. FDNY Urban Fire Dynamics Summit The ceremony was held at the FDNY Training Academy on Randalls Island. The problem is that the Fire Department of New York does not have a succession plan in place to replace these staff chief officers. If this is your first visit, be sure to This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Learn More. Brown, A 25-Year Retrospective on the Freddys Fashion Mart Fire: The Continued Relevancy of Attacks Combining Fire and Firearms "She is promoting a culture of true leadership, accountability, and performance within the FDNY. Kavanagh, thecitys first woman fire commissioner, is heard on the recording telling chiefs she wanted more innovative, outside the box thinking. Instead, over the course of 40 minutes, the chiefs assailed her with questions about their personal cars, vacation carryovers and what she meant when she said there is no bullying of subordinates allowed. Get instructions and view the schedule for our virtual membership meetings. firefighter pleads guilty to 3 counts of manslaughter, is sentenced to probation, 3 demoted FDNY chiefs sue to get positions back after dramatic shakeup, Open the tools menu in your browser. That shouldnt seem unusual to longtime department employees one of her recent predecessors, Nicholas Scopetta, also had no firefighting background. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. If questions or discrepancies arise with respect to the accuracy or relevancy of the publication, refer to current FDNY protocols, policies and orders currently in effect. Staff chiefs include the seven citywide tour commanders, the Chief of Fire Prevention, and the Chief of Safety. It says Gala, 62, Jardin, 61, and Schaaf, 60, are the departments oldest staff chiefs. FDNY Bunker Gear By Deputy Chief David Maj, The Kutta Radio That same day, Kavanagh held a meeting with her staff chiefs. New Yorkers can rest assured that, under Commissioner Kavanaghs leadership, the FDNY remains fully prepared to keep New Yorkers safe and respond to any and all emergencies, the statement said. Proceeds from Pro subscriptions support the FDNY Foundation, which allows the FDNY to better train and support its members. By Captain Michael Doda, CTDP BRIEFING Copyright 2023 according to a recording of the gathering shared with The News. Gala was considered a divisive element in the department, one source said. Those who do not agree with that view have chosen to leave the FDNY," the statement from Adams read. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. https://www.linkedin.com/company/firehouse-magazine. View dates and flyers for upcoming member events. 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. Coaching Staff Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance 8. By Firefighter James Sabol, PHOTO REPORTER The number of Deputy Chiefs serving currently is also above FDNYs budgeted headcount. I have never had any disciplinary issues or complaints filed against me and have been well respected by my subordinates and superiors throughout my career, Massucci wrote, adding that the transfer was made without any reasonable explanation, except to state that you are taking the bureau of personnel in a different direction., My reassignment to theBureau of Operationsand placing me in the toolroom in theBureau of Tech Serviceswas an attempt to humiliate and disgrace me amongst my superiors, subordinates, coworkers and friends. Kavanagh also warned her chiefs against bullying subordinates, something she had her fill of while dealing with one-time tough-talking Chief of Department James Leonard in 2018 when she was first deputy commissioner. FDNY and the Hong Kong Fire Services Collaborate to Establish Search and Rescue Group Strategies for High-Rise Building Fires in Hong Kong By Battalion Chief Stephen Marsar and Dr. Shane Lo Siu-Hang, Chief Fire Officer, Hong Kong Fire Services Department Cockloft Nozzle Proves to be a Turning Point at Bronx Three-Alarm Fire A group of high-ranking FDNY chiefs on Monday filed a lawsuit to halt Commissioner Laura Kavanaghs decision to demote them and others in what they called a retaliatory move. Kavanaugh did not consult with Mayor Adams before making the demotions, the sources said. New York, NY, February 27, 2023 Today, in the interests of public safety, four Staff Chiefs of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) filed a lawsuit demanding immediate reinstatement of eleven Staff Chiefs, who serve as Incident Commanders for multi-alarm fires across the City of New York. Bureau of Fire Investigation Both men technically remain in their posts but will return to their civil service rank of deputy chief. ALL HANDS By Deputy Chief John A. Senior Firefighters John J. Hodgens is now chief of department . All rights reserved. None of these posts will be vacant come Monday, the official said. Lexipol. READ MORE In Command By Captain Mark Becker, FDNY and the Hong Kong Fire Services Collaborate to Establish Search and Rescue Group Strategies for High-Rise Building Fires in Hong Kong TAKING UP Kavanagh demoted Assistant ChiefsFred Schaaf,Michael GalaandJoseph Jardinto deputy chief earlier this month after Hodgens would not perform the deed, sources said. Kavanagh has no firefighting experience. Stating later that my skillsets were being better utilized in my new position was yet another attempt to further disgrace me, Massucci wrote. . Charles R. Downey was promoted to deputy assistant chief and appointed chief of the fire academy. Well be losing all this talent and fire experience and leadership at the top of the department. READ MORE Newsletters Read our latest newsletter or download archived ones. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh focused on leadership, but chiefs at a recent meeting were more interested in vacation days and using department vehicles, according to a tape. They asked to be placed in their prior units. We do not comment on personnel moves,FDNYspokesmanFrank Dwyersaid Monday. But soon after she got the job permanently, Kavanaghs relationship with veteran department chiefs went up in smoke. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community But the biggest impact is on the safety of the people ofNew York City. Starting salary for a Firefighter is $45,196. By Assistant Chief Thomas J. Currao, Chief of Counterterrorism & Emergency Preparedness, BACK TO BASICS (New York Daily News), In a statement to The News, the Fire Department said the number of deputy fire chief available to respond to major incidents is actually slightly higher than it was for nearly all of last calendar and fiscal year.. But with overtime and holiday pay, which is often required, you can get additional compensation. By Battalion Chief Andrew P. Lindow, Foam Operation at August 6, 2019, Queens Junkyard Fire It was common knowledge that Cassanos supervisor friend had privileges and access to the Chief that other employees did not have based on the alleged sexual relationship with Chief Cassano, the suit said. The two high-ranking uniformed members of the FDNY asked to resign their appointed posts in protest of the demotions of three staff chiefs, FDNY sources tell News 4.Chief of Department John Hodgens and Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito asked to resign after FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh told Luis Martinez, the chief of staff, to inform Assistant Chiefs Michael Gala, Fred Schaaf, and Joseph Jardin they would be demoted to deputy chiefs in 30 days.Hodgens and Esposito expressed their displeasure with the demotions of the chiefs, who are in the department's line of succession, in e-mails sent to executives late Sunday night, sources said. FDNY Car Assignments Car 1 Commissioner of the Department Car 1A Executive Assistant to Fire Commissioner Car 1B Executive Assistant to the First Deputy Fire Commissioner Car 1C Honorary Fire Commissioner Car 2 First Deputy Commissioner Car 2A Deputy Commissioner - Administration Car Hodgens made $242,193 in 2022 as chief of department. Commissioner Kavanaugh did not inform Mayor Eric Adams of the personnel changes, but Esposito was expected to meet with City Hall on Monday, sources said. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). These are the people that come when a fire gets out of hand and cover the logistics and this is going to impact the way we protect the life and property of the city.. My sons witnessed some "pirating" during 9/11. "Chief" is a 24-minute film about First Deputy Fire Commissioner William Feehan, one of the oldest and highest-ranking members of the FDNY killed on 9/11. The judge also noted that evidence in the case so far shows that the pool of Staff Chiefs and of Deputy Chiefs eligible for promotion [to replace the demoted chiefs] consists of extremely experienced firefighters.. WTC. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Its early days in the case, but chiefs already have suffered a pair of blows from Brooklyn Federal Judge Rachel Kovner. After five years, a Firefighter can make more than $100,000, including overtime and holiday pay. Now everyone is up for grabs, the source said. www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. All rights reserved. "Guilty people love to talk, who am I to stop them? noble soccer tournament 2021 how to get gems in phase 10: world tour army covid pt test policy fdny staff chiefs 2020. MY FAREWELL MESSAGE Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Kavanaghs moves are putting firefighters and the entire New York City citizenry they work to protect at grave risk of harm, the suit argues. The lawsuit also says the demotions leave the citys firefighting forces with an unimaginable level of unpreparedness including leaving the department without anyone who has ever led the scene at a five-alarm fire. (Jay) Jonas, Division 7 Commander, Queens Junkyard Fire Requires Foam Operation Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Lyndelle Phillips, a lawyer and former assistant commissioner for the FDNYs Equal Employment Opportunity Office, said she was fired in 2012 in part because she questioned the married Cassano about his alleged office affair. IN MEMORIAM. She was forced to leave her office, stripped of her duties, and replaced by a white woman who lacked qualifications and mismanaged the EEO office, the suit alleged. [I]t is undisputed that since plaintiffs [the chiefs] demotions were effected a month ago, all the serious fires that have occurred were fully staffed, even though plaintiffs had been removed from the Incident-Commander pool, Kovner wrote. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News), Four chiefs Kavanagh has demoted filed a lawsuit last Monday demanding they be kept in their posts. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Scopetta, a city government veteran, held the job for eight years during former Mayor Michael Bloombergs administration. controversial shake-up earlier this month. Malcolm Moore was promoted to deputy assistant chief and appointed chief of special operations. By Deputy Assistant Chief Fred Schaaf, Queens Borough Commander, Rebreather Rescue Task Force (RTF): The Rise of the Intelligent Operation 00:55. 2019. An experienced professional would not seek to fix that which is unbroken. All rights reserved. The events of these last several weeks (including being excluded from discussions and the decision making process on serious issues affecting the Bureau of Operations) make clear that Commissioner Kavanagh no longer has that 'faith and trust' in me.". The lawsuits first sentence: This case is about one thing: the safety of the public and valiant firefighters of the New York City Fire Department., The chiefs claim about their expertise and their pride is hammered home in the suits fourth sentence: When any fire department, police department, or other public-safety or military organization has inadequate or inexperienced Incident Commanders, people die.. and suppliers. Phillips said she fell out of favor with FDNY brass after looking into a formal complaint in 2009 that Cassano was showing favoritism to a female supervisor he was romantically involved with. That is what I heard. Phillips said she saw framed photos in the supervisors office showing her wearing short hot pants while embracing Cassano, then chief of the department. FD has been getting off too easy for too long. Is it fair to say that despite the point I made, the majority of the questions here today were about pay and vacation and cars? Kavanagh asked the chiefs, according to the recording. Staff chiefs at theFeb. 3meeting, which included Chief of Department John Jack Hodgens, the most senior uniformed official in theFDNY, and Chief of Fire OperationsJohn Esposito, were outraged after learning that a recording of the gatheringwas shared with The News. Massucci requested a demotion in a show of unity. The Fire Department of the City of New York, commonly referred to as the FDNY, was established in 1865 and is the largest and busiest municipal fire department in the United States. The city Law Department had no comment on Cassanos alleged affair. It is not an official City of New York or FDNY website.All information shall not be considered that given by the New York City Fire Department or FDNY. By Deputy Chief John A. demotions leave the citys firefighting forces with an unimaginable level of unpreparedness, creates a likelihood of irreparable harm to the public, Kovner wrote on Thursday, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. FDNY employees rate the overall compensation and benefits package 3.8/5 stars. With the wide scale availability of the vaccine we hopefully are getting closer . Read our latest newsletter or download archived ones. By Deputy Chief George K. Healy. NYC official ousted over 'Wu-Flu' wants back in after lab Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, Buster Murdaugh got 'very drunk' with dad 2 months after mom, brother murdered: source, I'm a professional cleaner ditch these 4 household products immediately, How a retired detective snared his seventh 'Torso Killer' confession, It's insane that NYers can use but not buy pepper spray for self-defense: Change this now, Shoeless Ariana Madix awkwardly tries to avoid cheating Tom Sandoval, Prince Harry was scared to lose Meghan Markle after fight that led to therapy, Prince Harry says psychedelics are fundamental part of his life, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant allegedly flashes gun at a strip club, Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss planned to tell Ariana Madix about affair. The conflict was kindled in October when Mayor Adams named Kavanagh permanently to the post of fire commissioner. Visitnydailynews.com. PUBLISHERS NOTE 0. (Jay) Jonas, Division 7 Commander, TRICKS OF THE TRADE The department's executive staff is divided into two areas that include a civilian Fire Commissioner who serves as the head of the department and a Chief of Department who serves as the operational leader. When you make a donation or purchase here, you are making New York City safer. Two other chiefs have made the same request, but not in writing, sources said. Its important for New Yorkers to know that theFDNYremains ready to respond in case of an emergency, the spokesperson added. the safety of the department and all New Yorkers. Chief of Department John Hodgens and Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito asked to resign after FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh told Luis Martinez, the chief of staff, to inform. By Battalion Chief Stephen Marsar and Dr. Shane Lo Siu-Hang, Chief Fire Officer, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Cockloft Nozzle Proves to be a Turning Point at Bronx Three-Alarm Fire New York Daily News. All of this crap will not stop until the white folk are out picking cotton and the blacks become the straw bosses. Huge midgets, they must be six feet tall. By Assistant Chief Joseph M. Jardin, Chief of Fire Prevention, LEARN FROM HISTORY www.firehouse.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. But with Kavanagh, theres a lack of sophistication, a lack of seriousness, and hubris, the staffer said.

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