‘I can’t fix them’: Laura Kavanagh criticizes firefighters in text messages to New York Attorney General Letitia James after booing incident

The chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) reportedly criticized firefighters in text messages to the New York Attorney General following a booing incident on March 7, the New York Post reported.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, the first woman to hold the role, has struggled with issues related to the behavior of some members of her predominantly male staff. That issue came to light after attendees supporting former President Donald Trump booed Democratic Attorney General Letitia James at a department promotion ceremony, according to the New York Post. The newspaper obtained text messages between Kavanagh and James through a Freedom of Information request that revealed Kavanagh’s frustration and her apology to James for the incident.

FDNY Chief Laura Kavanagh attacks firefighters in text messages to NY Attorney General Letitia James: “I can’t fix them” https://t.co/VH5Uqy8Ps3 pic.twitter.com/CpSDch6Rk5

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) June 30, 2024

“I should have called you last night, but I tried to find a way to apologize that didn’t mean apologizing for men who don’t deserve such grace,” Kavanagh wrote, according to the New York Post. “I failed. I’m sorry we didn’t stop them and I’m sorry I can’t fix them.”

The fire marshal also praised James for teaching her how to “handle bullying, threats, and lots of booing with confidence.” In return, James appreciated Kavanagh’s words, but noted that in her 20 years as a New York City public advocate and Brooklyn councilwoman, she has never experienced booing.

James texted that the new department members were unaware of her past with the FDNY. “We have work to do and I’m willing to put in the time necessary to do it. By the way, that was the first time I’ve ever been booed,” James told Kavanagh, the New York Post reported. (RELATED: ‘Save us please’: NYC Firefighters tell Trump they need him to win election as they take a pizza break after leaving courtroom

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 02: New York Attorney General Letitia James C speaks during the Celebrate Israel Parade on Fifth on June 2, 2024 in New York City. This year’s parade is the first since the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel and focuses on the hostages still held by Hamas. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

It was previously reported that Kavanagh had vowed to “hunt down” pro-Trump employees who booed James and chanted “Trump!” during the department’s promotion ceremony. FDNY Chief John Hodges informed agency employees via email that the department’s Bureau of Investigation and Trials would investigate who participated in the anti-James chants during the event, according to the New York Post.

The Daily Caller has reached out to the fire commissioner and Attorney General Letitia James’ office for comment but has not yet received a response.