Hazing of Rookie FDNY Firefighters Results in Suspensions
The FDNY is investigating two videos shared with the Daily News that show incidents of apparent hazing of new firefighters by veterans, including making them do pushups face-first into cake, and forcing them to hug naked men.
In one of the videos, three firefighters are seen doing pushups, repeatedly smashing their faces into cakes on the floor as an off-camera voice counts up to 20. The video was filmed last Thursday or Friday at Engine 38, Ladder 51, in the Bronx, according to a source.
The second video appears to show three uniformed rookie firefighters lined up against the wall of a paddleball court awkwardly shaking hands and hugging two naked men wearing only shoes. The video was also filmed last Thursday or Friday, a source recounted.
The newest probationary class graduated to become firefighters last Thursday at a ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn.
An FDNY spokesman said in response to The News’ questions about the videos that “the FDNY has a zero-tolerance policy against hazing.”
“Once the department became aware of the incident, we immediately launched an investigation,” the spokesman said. “Some members have already been suspended, and further action will be taken as the investigation progresses. Hazing of any kind will never be tolerated.”
The FDNY code of conduct explicitly forbids hazing. An anti-hazing policy was adopted in 2013. In 2017, the FDNY launched an investigation into whether there was a “culture of hazing” in the department.
With Thomas Tracy and Graham Rayman
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