FDNY boss Laura Kavanagh rips firefighters in texts to NY AG Letitia James: I cant fix them

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh wants to “fix” the behavior of her department’s predominately male workforce — but can’t figure out how to extinguish their flames of discontent.Kavanagh — who’s butted heads with plenty of male underlings since being named the city’s first female fire commissioner in 2022 — made the blunt admission while apologizing to New York Attorney General Letitia James during a March 8 text exchange, a day after pro-Donald Trump firefighters and other attendees mercilessly booed the Democratic pol during a department promotion ceremony.“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,” texted Kavanagh, according to records The Post obtained from the AG’s office through a Freedom of Information Law request.“I haven’t succeeded.I am sorry that we didn’t stop them and that I can’t fix them.”Kavanagh, who began her career in public service working campaigns for ex-President Barack Obama and other Democrats, told her longtime political ally, “I wouldn’t be here without you.”The fire commissioner also thanked James for teaching her firsthand that handling “bullying, threats and lots of booing with grace would be part of the gig if you ever wanted to make big change.”“So thank you for that.

I care about you and will do anything for you, always,” she added.James thanked Kavanagh for the kind words but refused to admit ever being booed during her 20 years holding elected offices, which include stints as NYC’s public advocate and a Brooklyn councilwoman.“The guys who were there are new to the dept and don’t know my history as it relates to fdny,” James texted.“We have work to do and I am willing to put in the time.

BTW – this is my first time that I have been booed.” During a May 10 text exchange with another FDNY staffer whose name was redacted, James expressed regrets ...