FDNY tells firefighters to protest ‘on your own time’ after booing NY AG Letitia James, cheering Trump: report

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) issued a memo scolding firefighters it says brought "discredit" to the department after booing New York Attorney General Letitia James and cheering for former President Trump at a promotion ceremony last week, warning those who took part to protest on their own time, according to a report.

Following a New York Post report about the leaked memo, FDNY spokesman Jim Long confirmed to Fox News Digital on Monday morning that chief officers went to firehouses over the weekend to discuss the events of Thursday and speak to the concerns and disappointment with the behavior shown during James' remarks. 

The chief officers also issued reminders that the behavior of FDNY members affects the department's reputation, Long said, adding that the ongoing process of speaking to firefighters and staff was productive, well-received and put the department on a path of moving forward with the community and its partners.

The New York Post reported Sunday that the department handed out a memo over the weekend at firehouses across New York City that said the FDNY’s Bureau of Investigations and Trials (BITS) is combing through video to identify those who took part in the behavior.

Firefighters "should understand that BITS is gathering video and identifying members that brought discredit … to the department," read the memo obtained by the Post. "We want the members to come forward. They will come to HQ to be educated [on] why their behavior is unacceptable."

The memo also advised firefighters not to express their political views while on duty.

"When you’re not on duty, feel however you want about politicians," the memo said. "Vote. Protest. That’s your right. But don’t do it on the job’s time, on other members’ time, or on their families’ time. Do it on your own time."

The controversy began after booing erupted as James walked up to the podium to honor the swearing-in of the first Black female chaplain of the FDNY, the Rev. Pamela Holmes, as well as other first responders at a promotion ceremony on Thursday at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.