The 2 high-ranking uniformed members of the FDNY requested to resign their appointed posts in protest of the demotions of three employees chiefs, FDNY sources inform Information 4.
Chief of Division John Hodgens and Chief of Hearth Operations John Esposito requested to resign after FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh informed Luis Martinez, the chief of employees, to tell Assistant Chiefs Michael Gala, Fred Schaaf, and Joseph Jardin they’d be demoted to deputy chiefs in 30 days.
Hodgens and Esposito expressed their displeasure with the demotions of the chiefs, who’re in the division’s line of succession, in e-mails despatched to executives late Sunday evening, sources stated.
In his resignation letter, Esposito stated “When I was appointed Chief of Operations I thanked you for ‘having the faith and trust in me to do this job.’ 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.”
Esposito went on to say that being excluded kind the occasions and discussions “resulted in a serious breach of trust with my subordinate personnel” stopping him from doing his job. He requested to return to a discipline project as a deputy chief.
“We do not comment on personnel moves,” prime FDNY spokesman Frank Dwyer stated Monday.
Commissioner Kavanaugh didn’t inform Mayor Eric Adams of the personnel adjustments, however Esposito was anticipated to fulfill with Metropolis Corridor on Monday, sources stated.
Adams launched an announcement late Monday, providing “full support” of Kavanaugh.
“She is promoting a culture of true leadership, accountability, and performance within the FDNY. As Commissioner Kavanagh made clear, she and her senior team work for the rank and file and the people of this city, not the other way around. Those who do not agree with that view have chosen to leave the FDNY,” the assertion from Adams learn. “Regardless, New Yorkers can rest assured that the FDNY is as prepared as ever to keep them safe and respond to any and all emergencies.”