Changes in FDNY leadership continue as two other deputy assistant chiefs are asking to return to previous assignments.
Deputy Chief of Safety Frank Leeb and Deputy Chief Kevin Woods are the latest high-ranking chiefs to relinquish their posts and request a return to the field.
Earlier this week, Chief of Department John ‘Jack’ Hodgens and Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito stepped aside following the demotions of Assistant Chiefs Michael Gala, Joseph Jardin and Fred Schaaf to deputy chiefs, according to the New York Daily News.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh demoted the trio without consulting Hodgens and Esposito, who usually weigh in on such decisions, according to Lt. Jim McCarthy, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers’ Association.
Kavanagh was greeted with jeers and boos as she stepped to the podium Tuesday morning during the department’s promotion ceremony.
Hodgens, on the other hand, got a rousing standing ovation that lasted several minutes. He didn’t take the podium to address the new officers as he usually does.
Leeb, who gave the keynote at last year's Firehouse Expo, wrote in a letter requesting the move that recent changes made it impossible for him to continue in his position.
“Several changes have led me to believe that our organizational priorities are shifting away from the cornerstones of safety and training which have long protected the citizens and visitors of New York City, as well as the members of our great organization. Additionally, breaches of trust coupled with a lack of communication and transparency have further led me to this difficult decision,” according to The New York Post reporters who reviewed the letter he sent.
Leeb’s request continued: “As a servant leader, I have never placed myself before the organization and today’s decision is no different,” Leeb’s letter states. “I look forward to continuing to serve and contribute in meaningful ways. Therefore, I am respectfully requesting a return to a field assignment in my civil service title of deputy chief effective [at 9 a.m.] Monday, March 6th, 2023.
McCarthy said he wouldn't be surprised if other deputy chiefs make similar requests.
