Be Brave, not bozos
FDNY boss warns those who go to rallies
NYC firefighters who plan to attend political rallies need to behave themselves or face the consequences, the FDNY Commissioner told his members in a sternly worded warning a week after the U.S. Capitol violence that left five people dead.
In a department-wide memo issued Wednesday, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro urged all firefighters, active and retired, to “act with the utmost discretion and respect for others.” If not, he said, the FDNY will report anyone who acts violently or breaks the law at any political rally.
“The department respects the right of all members to take and personally support social and political positions,” Nigro wrote. “While exercising those rights, members must act with the utmost discretion and respect for others, and ensure that their conduct is in compliance with all applicable laws.”
The memo is in response to last week’s massive riot at the Capitol when a violent mob breached the building and five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result.
At least two FDNY members were photographed at the Capitol during the riot, city officials said. One of the firefighters, who was seen wearing a Squad 252 jacket, is believed to be retired. The FDNY sent info of both men to the FBI for further investigation.
“Conduct that crosses the line into violence or threats against others or property, or otherwise violates any local, state or federal laws, will be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities,” Nigro reminded his troops in the memo.
So far, no FDNY members have been suspended or disciplined for their activities at the Capitol, according to the department.
Earlier this week the FBI warned that far-right extremists are calling on Trump supporters to “storm” the U.S. Capitol again and stage “armed protests” at state government buildings across the country — including in New York — in the lead-up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Nigro said all members, both past and present, “are obligated to dutifully represent the values of the FDNY – honor, service, bravery, safety, equity, readiness and dedication – regardless of when we served or wherever we are.”
Nigro’s memo came the same day Department of Justice officials announced the arrests of two Virginia cops for their roles in the Jan. 6 violence.
Police officer Thomas Robertson posed inside the building while flipping the bird alongside along fellow cop Jacob Facker as the duo stood before a statue of Revolutionary War hero John Stark while rioters stormed the Capitol, according to court documents that included the now-viral photo.
And a retired Pennsylvania firefighter was arrested Thursday for throwing a fire extinguisher at three Capitol Police officers in an attack unrelated to the death of Officer Brian Sicknick, killed after taking an extinguisher to the head, authorities said. A video of the incident led police to ex-firefighter Robert Sanford of Chester, Pa.
The two Rocky Mountain, Va., officers were charged with one count of entering the Capitol without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
Former first responder Sanford, 55, was hit with three felony charges — including assaulting a police officer — after he was identified as the man who flung a fire extinguisher that hit three Capitol cops. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. as the rioters breached the security surrounding the building where Congress was gathering to debate Trump’s bogus claims
of election fraud.