Statement by NYC PBA First Vice President John Puglissi re “battle of the badges” incident at Newtown Creek

NYC PBA First Vice President John Puglissi said:

"It’s unfortunate that Fire Dept. officials spoke before they got their facts straight. This was an incident in which Fire Dept. personnel overreacted after the fact. At no time during the entire rescue and recovery operation was a firefighter’s life endangered or interfered with by the actions of any member of the NYPD. The cops, who have total control once it becomes a recovery operation, acted appropriately at all times during this incident."