David Winzelberg//March 17, 2025//
Depositphotos image
State fines LI fire departments for displaying Confederate flags
Depositphotos image
David Winzelberg//March 17, 2025//
Three Long Island fire departments were fined a total of $28,000 by the New York State Division of Human Rights for alleged discriminatory membership policies and two were also fined for displaying Confederate flags.
The fines were part of settlements of complaints originally filed in 2021 against fire districts and departments from Brookhaven, Levittown and Holbrook, according to a Division of Human Rights statement. Complaints were lodged against the Brookhaven and Levittown departments for displaying Confederate flags on fire department property, and complaints about discriminatory membership policies and application materials were filed against the Brookhaven, Levittown and Holbrook departments.
As part of the settlement agreements, which were concluded between July 2024 and Jan. 2025, the departments also agreed to participate in training on the Human Rights Law, besides paying civil fines to the state totaling $28,000.
“People rely on emergency services like those provided by fire departments for help in moments of tremendous stress and danger,” Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Denise Miranda said in the statement. “When services like these display symbols of racism or maintain policies that unlawfully discriminate against people who may want to join the department, it damages public trust and harms communities. Hate and discrimination have no place in New York State, and the Division of Human Rights will continue using every available tool to hold violators of the Human Rights Law accountable.”
The fire departments have yet to respond to requests for comment.
In its complaint against the Brookhaven Fire Department, the Division of Human Rights alleged that a member of the department displayed a Confederate flag on a fire truck while participating in an event in August 2020 for a member of the fire service who had been diagnosed with a serious illness. Members of the public called the fire department and media outlets to report the incident.
In the complaint against the Levittown Fire Department, its Rebels drill team used equipment featuring a cartoon character holding a Confederate flag and wearing a belt marked with the letters “L.F.D.” that was allegedly placed on fire department vehicles and apparel.
The Division of Human Rights maintained that the Confederate flag is a historical symbol of racism and that its display by fire departments violated the New York State Human Rights Law by conveying a discriminatory message, limiting the public’s ability to rely on and utilize the critical fire and EMS services they provide, as well as discouraging prospective applicants from seeking to join their departments.
The complaints about discriminatory membership policies and application materials alleged that the three fire departments unlawfully requested and considered information about applicants’ national origin, religion, and other protected classes as part of the application process, according to the statement.
Under the terms of the settlement agreements, the Division of Human Rights said the Brookhaven, Levittown and Holbrook departments agreed to adopt amendments to their membership applications and by-laws to comply with the New York State Human Rights Law. They also agreed to have all district commissioners and department members participate in training on the Human Rights Law.
Share this!
Joins other law organizations in speaking out against recent directives
March 20, 2025
A sudden and draconian freeze on a bevy of federal aid programs, ordered by the Trump administration in a sinc[…]
March 20, 2025
New York State Attorney General Letitia James was on Long Island recently, visiting a law firm where she serve[…]
March 18, 2025
This free professional development event is through the Huntington Arts Council
March 14, 2025
Charges included wire fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, money laundering an[…]
March 13, 2025
The Treasury Department said it will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only.
March 12, 2025
Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News.
Listen to this article Lorraine Gregory Communications will be holding a blood drive at its Edgewood[…]
Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced the recipients of this year’s Execu[…]
In this special section, “Long Island Business Influencers: Real Estate and Construction 2025,” […]
Listen to this article We are pleased to introduce our new BTM Behind the Deal program, which will a[…]
Listen to this article Long Island Business News has chosen the recipients of this year’s 2025 Imp[…]
The company is moving its headquarters from Hauppauge to Melville.
The opening of the store at 110 Bi-County Boulevard coincides with World Down Syndrome Day.
The 1,800-square-foot studio features a unique “music-infused” environment.
The new store serves as the chain’s replacement for the East Northport location that closed in Jan[…]
The company leased a 2,700-square-foot space in the Franklin Plaza shopping center.
Pennetta: The future of work: Why hybrid isn’t enough
20/3/2025
Koenigsberg: The future of work: Why hybrid and remote are here to stay
20/3/2025
On Our Island: Suffolk County Legislature recognizes women of distinction
20/3/2025
On Our Island: Girl Scouts of Suffolk County marks International Women’s Day
13/3/2025
Après the pandemic: restaurants going full steam ahead
13/3/2025
Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers.
Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications!
Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions.
© 2025 BridgeTower Media. All rights reserved.
Use of this website is subject to its Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy
