The East Brentwood Fire Department released a formal statement on December 11 addressing a public narrative circulating on social media that stemmed from remarks made by an elected official. In the statement, Fire Chief Bryant Figueroa emphasized that the matter referenced did not result in any conviction, finding of guilt, or admission of wrongdoing.

According to the release, the issue was resolved through an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), a legal disposition that, by statute, leads to the dismissal of all charges after a designated period. The statement clarified that an ACD is not a conviction and does not constitute evidence of misconduct.

Chief Figueroa further noted that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office did not seek to proceed to trial and that law enforcement agencies declined to pursue criminal charges. He explained that accepting the ACD was a practical decision made to avoid repeated court appearances that conflicted with his responsibilities as a volunteer fire chief, not an admission of guilt.

The statement strongly rejected any suggestion that public safety was compromised or that intimidation or harassment occurred, stressing that no trial, testimony, or factual findings supported such claims. Concern was also raised over what the chief described as the mischaracterization of a procedural matter as proof of wrongdoing, warning that such portrayals undermine public trust in due process.

Concluding the statement, Chief Figueroa reaffirmed his commitment to serving the community with transparency, fairness, and integrity, emphasizing that leadership is rooted in principle rather than power. The East Brentwood Fire Department stated that its mission remains unchanged: protecting public safety while upholding constitutional values for all.

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