Exclusive | FDNY issues policy barring bosses from dating underlings after string of sexual harassment scandals — including one involving ‘Jersey Shore’ star

FDNY Implements New Policy Banning Supervisors from Dating Subordinates

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has introduced a groundbreaking policy prohibiting supervisors and managers from engaging in romantic or intimate relationships with subordinates under their direct supervision. This long-overdue directive, announced this week, marks a significant step toward addressing workplace harassment and ensuring a more equitable and professional environment within the department. The policy mandates that any such relationships must be disclosed to higher-ups, potentially leading to the transfer of one or both individuals involved. While the FDNY had previously lacked a formal policy on workplace relationships, this new rule aims to reduce instances of sexual harassment and create a safer workplace for all employees.

Key Details of the New Policy

Under the new policy, managers and supervisors are explicitly barred from pursuing or maintaining romantic relationships with subordinates they oversee. The rule applies to all FDNY personnel, including firefighters, EMS workers, and civilian employees. If an individual anticipates or is already involved in such a relationship, both parties are required to notify the Deputy Commissioner of Human Capital confidentially. This disclosure allows the department to determine whether a transfer or other corrective action is necessary to maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, including potential termination. The FDNY hopes this measure will help curb the number of sexual harassment complaints, which have plagued the department in recent years. Over the past five years, 113 sexual harassment complaints were filed, with 22 involving subordinates accusing their supervisors. Of these, eight complaints were substantiated, and two remain under investigation. By enforcing this policy, the FDNY aims to foster a culture of respect and accountability.

The Rationale Behind the Policy

The introduction of this policy comes amid growing concerns about workplace harassment and the underrepresentation of women within the FDNY. Currently, women make up less than 2% of the department’s 11,030 uniformed firefighters, with only 177 female firefighters on the force. While the number of female EMS personnel is slightly higher—1,189 women out of 4,727—the disparity remains significant. The policy also extends to civilian employees, where women account for 624 out of 2,010 staff members.

High-profile scandals have further underscored the need for such a policy. In 2020, the city agreed to pay $350,000 to Staten Island EMT Angelina Pivarnick, a reality TV star, after she alleged that one supervisor sexually harassed her and another groped her. Similarly, in 2022, the city settled a complaint with FDNY paramedic Maria Miranda for $205,000 after she reported being subjected to explicit messages and retaliatory actions by her male colleagues and supervisors. These cases highlight the systemic issues the FDNY is now addressing through this policy.

The Road to Implementation

The idea of banning romantic relationships between supervisors and subordinates has been discussed within the FDNY for years. During Laura Kavanagh’s tenure as the department’s first female commissioner, the proposal was considered but never finalized. According to insiders, the policy “sat on the previous commissioner’s desk for a long time” before being left unapproved when she departed.

The push for the policy gained momentum after a recent incident at the Fire Academy, where a drill instructor began dating a probationary firefighter. While there was no written rule against the relationship at the time, it created discomfort among colleagues and prompted the instructor’s reassignment. The NYPD’s adoption of a similar policy in 2022, following a scandal involving a high-ranking official demanding sex from a subordinate, also influenced the FDNY’s decision.

How the FDNY Policy Compares to Citywide Standards

The FDNY’s new policy is stricter than the city’s broader Equal Employment and Opportunity (EEO) Policy, which discourages but does not outright prohibit romantic relationships between supervisors and subordinates. The EEO Policy requires disclosure of such relationships, allowing personnel officials to decide whether a transfer is necessary. In contrast, the FDNY’s policy explicitly bans these relationships and imposes stricter penalties for noncompliance.

Additionally, the FDNY policy addresses relationships between employees of the same rank within the same unit or facility, though it does not prohibit them outright. Instead, it “frowns upon” such relationships and encourages employees to request transfers to avoid potential conflicts or discomfort. This provision reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment at all levels.

The Broader Implications of the Policy

The implementation of this policy is a crucial step toward addressing the systemic issues of harassment and discrimination within the FDNY. By barring supervisors from dating subordinates, the department aims to eliminate power imbalances that often lead to exploitation and abuse. The policy also signals a broader shift in workplace culture, emphasizing accountability and respect for all employees, regardless of gender or rank.

As the FDNY continues to diversify its workforce and address historical inequalities, this policy serves as a necessary safeguard against harassment and retaliation. By learning from past scandals and adopting measures to prevent future incidents, the FDNY is taking concrete steps toward creating a safer, more inclusive workplace. While challenges remain, this policy reflects a commitment to equity and professionalism that will surely benefit the department and its employees for years to come.