There were boos towards the FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh as she was introduced at an FDNY Promotions ceremony Tuesday.

This came after three chiefs were informed of their demotions this week. Two other top fire officials asked to resign in solidarity. Kavanagh addressed the shake up Tuesday.

“I’m picking a staff that’s going to lead us forward into the future and accomplish the goals of myself and the mayor — and most importantly a staff that is going to serve what the members need every day,” said Kavanagh.

Mayor Eric Adams, stood by the commissioner in a statement, saying in part, “Commissioner Kavanagh has my full support. She is promoting a culture of true leadership, accountability, and performance within the FDNY. As Commissioner Kavanagh made clear, she and her senior team work for the rank and file and the people of this city. Those who do not agree with that view have chosen to leave the FDNY”

“Generally, you don’t get demoted without criminal or departmental charges, generally upward mobility or sideways,” said Lieutenant James McCarthy, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

McCarthy said the union doesn’t currently represent the chiefs who were demoted and does not know the reason they were knocked down in rank. But he said the controversial change will create a void.

“This creates 150 years of firefighting experience and a skillset you can’t replace in a short amount of time so it impacts the safety of the city and those in the fire department,” said McCarthy.

The FDNY did not confirm to NY1 whether top officials were stepping down as a result of demotions. In regards to those losing their position, the department says it does not comment on personnel moves.