ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK
Audio By Carbonatix
The Fire Department of New York is often referred to in the Big Apple as “New York’s bravest.” Unfortunately, despite that bravery, many citizens believe they’re being handled with kiddie-gloves following reports that an officer was suspended for giving a ride to a girl on a firetruck.
According to a report from the New York Post, a lieutenant on Ladder 18 was disciplined after he gave “’some hot girls’ a ride on the rig last week, breaking rules and risking public safety.” The firetruck was filmed driving on Essex Street at the intersection of East Houston Street with its lights on earlier this month, leading to the investigation.
The unidentified lieutenant was suspended for five days without pay and transferred (although it’s unclear if he was transferred to a new ladder or a new company). FDNY officials told The Post that no other firefighters on the truck have been disciplined pending an internal investigation.
“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.” [via The New York Post]
News of the lieutenant’s suspension went viral and clearly struck a cord with some people, with the crux of their argument being that aforementioned “frat culture” partially propels them to risk their lives as firefighters in the first place.
“These guys run into burning buildings. Let them take the hot girls on a little ride in the rig, it’s meant to be this way,” one viral reply argued.
“Rowdy male culture is what drives men to run into burning buildings. You cannot have one without the other,” a second added.
You can either have guys who’ll run into burning buildings to save strangers or you can have guys who will never give hot girls a ride on the truck. You cannot have both. https://t.co/tzBoRBE0VK
— CDP 🐗⚾👏 (@cdpayne79) June 28, 2025
I am bringing a class action on behalf of all hot girls. To sign up, please drop a pic in my DMs. https://t.co/9J3rhGQI6L
— Cousin Brad (@BradWCAttorney) June 29, 2025
https://t.co/MKeX6rCaei pic.twitter.com/UtC6q1NdZb
— Michael Grier (@OleGriersy) June 28, 2025
While the FDNY allows civilians on trucks for educational purposes while it is parked, it is forbidden when the truck is in motion, as the department argues it risks public safety.