FDNY Ladder 113: Ride of Infamy
When the Lower Rules the Higher
FDNY Ladder 113’s ride is becoming nearly as famous as Paul Revere’s.
Though in 113’s case, infamous is more the word.
Fire and rescue departments use a quasi-military organizational model where the outward face of the organization, including behavior, is closely defined.
Or so we thought.
Many are asking how an on-duty fire company could decide to ride to the office of an elected official and harass them over FDNY policy?
The crew displayed a sense of reckless superiority, holding themselves not just above the citizens, but elected officials, too.
They seemed to have no concern regarding how senior officers would react to their tantrum-foray or over the potential consequences.
Ladder 113 acts with Gekokujō, “the Japanese concept of overthrowing someone of a higher position using military or political might, seizing power. It is variously translated as “the lower rules the higher” or “the low overcomes the high.” (wiki)
Gekokujō was the basis for the notorious Manchurian Incident in 1931 when junior Japanese officers openly defied the top generals.
113’s is a breakdown of authority and an organizational/cultural failure.
It’s also a “peek behind the curtain” of what really goes on in the firehouse.
They’ve forgotten that the rigs and the firehouses are the property of the citizens of New York and the City is led by elected representatives who properly exercise ultimate authority.
We call that Democracy as unpopular as it may currently be in some circles.
I’ve a question.
Do FDNY chiefs (battalions, deputies, assistants, etc.) promulgate a suitable level of respect or conduct?
Or are firehouses and crews under the sway of company officers who rule their little outposts acting like junior officers in the Imperial Army?
The latter seems the case.
FDNY Commissioner Nigro suspended the crew of Ladder 113 but the problem is much bigger.
The bosses have lost control.
Or did they ever have it?
