By Hank Russell
A local elected official who was named honorary chief by a fire department has had his title revoked after he made what were considered to be dangerous remarks regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being stationed there.
In a letter to Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), the East Brentwood Fire Department said it is revoking the honorary title of Chief and removing the assemblyman’s name from the firehouse’s walls as a result of a press conference Ramos held on July 6 after learning that ICE agents were seen in the department’s parking lot. Ramos called on the fire department to investigate.
At the press conference, Newsday quoted Ramos as saying, “While our neighbors go to work, while our kids go to school, while our families try and live in peace, ICE is launching raids from our very own firehouse … in a town that is over 70% Latino, in a fire department that is largely made up of Latino firefighters,”
Chief Bryant Figueroa and 1st Assistant Chief Frankie Vasquez wrote in their letter to Ramos. “This decision was not made lightly. However, your recent public actions and statements have placed an unfair and dangerous spotlight on our volunteer brothers and sisters. Rather than standing with us during a difficult time, your words and actions have fueled public mistrust and endangered the safety and reputation of those who serve selflessly and without political motive.”
The chiefs wrote on Facebook, “[W]e cannot allow politics or false narratives to endanger or divide our department. We will continue to serve this community with integrity, courage, and without prejudice.”
In a statement he posted on Facebook, Ramos claimed that, on July 10, Figueroa “stormed into my office unannounced” and “ignor[ed] repeated instructions from my staff not to go beyond the public space.” Instead, Figueroa allegedly burst into Ramos’ office. When he was told to leave, according to Ramos, Figueroa replied, “Then call the police. Call ICE.” He then proceeded to enter Ramos’ office and “slammed an envelope on his desk.”
Ramos said the way Figueroa delivered the letter was “a blatant abuse of power meant to intimidate my staff and an elected member of the State Assembly.” He went on to call Figueroa’s behavior “part of a broader, systemic pattern of abuse and arrogance” and “completely unbecoming of someone entrusted with a position of leadership and public responsibility.”
In a Facebook post, Ramos called the fire department’s leadership “out of touch with the diverse community they’re supposed to serve. This is not the conduct of public servants — it’s a disgrace.”