The nation’s largest fire department has its own inferno to put out after pressure building in the upper ranks of the FDNY finally exploded on Tuesday with a series of terminations and resignations that insiders say could put public safety at risk.
Weeks after fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh first butted heads with disgruntled FDNY brass, the simmering feud took a dramatic turn after a shakeup that ended with the termination of two deputy commissioners.
Gone are Terryl Brown, the department’s chief legal counsel who was also the FDNY’s deputy commissioner for legal affairs, and Frank Dwyer, the department’s longtime deputy commissioner for public information.
“Like every commissioner, Commissioner Kavanagh is putting together a leadership team that will help her deliver on the priorities set out for the FDNY,” the department said in a statement.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, we thank these members for their service to the Fire Department and to the City of New York, and wish them well. New Yorkers can rest assured that the FDNY is as prepared as ever to keep them safe and respond to any and all emergencies.”