“Fascist Pitbull” NYFD Fire Commissioner On Her Way Out

Laura Kavanaugh was the New York Fire Department's first female fire commissioner, and made headlines after threatening firefighters for heckling New York Attorney General Leticia James and chanting Trump's name at a New York Fire Department promotion ceremony. Most of them weren't on duty or in uniform as they did this, and because of that, many felt like the Department had no right to discipline them for their actions, and that it was a perfectly reasonable and appropriate exercise of free speech.

In text exchange with James after the fact, Kavanaugh wrote, “I should have called you last night, but I've been trying to find a way to say I'm sorry that doesn't involve me apologizing for men who don't deserve such grace. I haven't succeeded. I am sorry that we didn't stop them and that I can't fix them.”

Letitia James led one of the major lawsuits against former President Trump, slamming him with a staggering judgment of almost half a billion dollars and calling for the seizure of his assets. Many legal experts have expressed outrage and disbelief in her actions, speculating that they're politically motivated, with some saying that they warrant her being disbarred.

Needless to say, she's become a highly polarizing figure.

A retired firefighter described Kavanaugh and her co-conspirators as “fascist pitbulls” with no regard for the First Amendment.

Following the incident, emails revealed efforts to identify the firefighters involved so that they could be formally reprimanded.

In one email, the Department Chief wrote “I recommend they come forward. I have been told by the commissioner it will be better for them if they come forward and we don't have to hunt them down.”

He continued, “I realize members might not come forward but they should know that there is clear video of the entire incident and they will be contacted by [Bureau of Investigation and Trials] if they don't.”

FDNY later backed down from the investigation, following backlash.

Spokesman Jim Long insisted, “Nobody is hunting anyone down. We're looking into those who clearly broke department regulations. It has nothing to do with politics. It's about professionalism at an official event held in a house of worship.”

After three short years on the job, she handed in her resignation in July of this year.

Prior to her handling of the Letitia James incident, she was the subject of an ageism lawsuit, and accused of replacing high-ranking officers with inexperienced amateurs.

Jim Walden, an attorney representing the chiefs suing Kavanagh, wasn't surprised by her departure, and expressed gratitude and relief at the news. “Kavanagh disrespected and victimized some of the most decorated heroes serving the FDNY. The city can now settle the claims in our lawsuit, or subject Kavanagh to a bruising deposition: Either way our clients will get justice.”