The FDNY has disciplined a lieutenant on Ladder 18, which gave “some hot girls” a ride on the rig last week, breaking rules and risking public safety, The Post has learned.
The unidentified lieutenant, the officer responsible for everything that happens on a firetruck, was suspended without pay for five days and transferred, officials said.
“When I learn of behavior that is contrary to the rules and regulations of the Department, I act swiftly and decisively to address it,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker told The Post.
No other firefighters on the truck, including the driver, has been disciplined pending an internal FDNY investigation, officials said.
The Bravest landed in trouble after video captured two young women laughing, waving to onlookers, and snapping selfies while hanging out of the truck’s cab window.
The FDNY is investigating what a veteran department member called “frat house” behavior by the lieutenant and other firefighters from the Engine 15/Ladder 18 firehouse on Pitt Street on the Lower East Side.
The city Department of Investigation will review the FDNY’s findings for possible “recommendations to strengthen current FDNY policies,” DOI spokesman Clodagh McGowan said.
The ladder truck — with its emergency lights active — was filmed driving on Essex Street at the intersection of East Houston Street.
An FDNY chief called it “a short ride with some hot girls” – and “a stupid thing to do.”
The FDNY lets civilians onto apparatus only while parked for educational or PR purposes —but the practice is forbidden when in motion, according to FDNY rules.
If a real emergency call came in, the rig would have to stop and let the passengers get off – losing critical response time.
In addition, an accident on FDNY apparatus with civilians aboard could lead to injuries and possible lawsuits.
“It shows the frat house atmosphere at FDNY firehouses is still strong when they feel they can pick up a group of ‘badge bangers’ and give them a lights and sirens ride through the neighborhood,” a veteran department member said.
The lieutenant can be charged with “conduct unbecoming an officer,” breaching “good order and discipline,” and “bringing the department into disrepute,” he said.
