Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
FDNY has taken disciplinary action against seven firefighters over a hazing incident involving an African American firefighter.
According to the New York Post, unofficial sources report that firefighters pranked a member by putting his locker in a bathroom. FDNY has refused to identify the members involved or release any details about the incident.
An internal department order released Thursday indicated the accused firefighters received penalties ranging from 3 to 30 day suspensions without pay, and the loss of up to 15 days of vacation.
The Post quoted FDNY insiders as saying the prank was minimal, but the penalty severe.
- “This is all bulls–t.”
- “There’s a culture in the firehouse when you’re a new guy. Somebody’s feelings get hurt and all of a sudden it’s hazing.”
- “Today hazing could be anything, a disparaging remark — being called a ‘Johnny,’ ” — slang for an inexperienced firefighter.
