• 2025-07-30 16:59:34
• Gun Violence

BRENTWOOD, NY — Assemblyman Phil Ramos has officially filed charges against East Brentwood Fire Department Chief Bryant Figueroa, Ramos' office told Patch.

The accusations are part of a dispute that began between the two men after

The following Sunday, community members gathered for a protest at the fire station to "demand ICE out of firehouses," where Ramos spoke to the crowd.

Shortly after, Figueroa and Chief Frannkie Vasquez penned a letter to Ramos, announcing their

In a statement, Ramos acknowledged the revocation, saying that Figueroa hand-delivered the letter when he "stormed" into his office "unannounced and uninvited, ignoring repeated instructions" from his staff not to enter his private back office.

In a statement to Patch, Ramos said: "Charges have now been officially filed against Bryant Figueroa for unlawfully trespassing into my office on July 10, 2025.

"Mr. Figueroa's actions represent a clear violation of New York State Penal Law §140.05, which prohibits knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on premises. On the date in question, he arrived at my office visibly angry and seemingly intent on confrontation.

"Despite being asked by staff if he needed assistance, he ignored them and stormed toward my private office that I typically occupy, entering in a hostile and aggressive manner—clearly seeking a direct encounter with me, though I was not present at the time.

"No one knew his true intentions in that moment, which was deeply traumatic for my staff—individuals who serve our community with dedication and professionalism every single day. His aggressive and unannounced entry created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in what should be a safe and respectful workplace.

"His motives were made clear in a letter he left behind—expressing anger over the fact that I, along with members of our community, exercised our constitutional right to peacefully protest the actions of the Brentwood Fire Department leadership. That protest specifically called attention to the department's decision to allow ICE to use taxpayer-funded facilities to conduct raids that have spread fear and trauma throughout our neighborhoods.

"It is important to emphasize that our protest was directed solely at the leadership of the department, not the rank-and-file firefighters. In fact, many firefighters have since reached out to express their disagreement with and disappointment in the decisions and behavior of department leadership.

"Mr. Figueroa deliberately ignored repeated instructions from my staff and crossed into a clearly designated restricted section of the office. His actions not only constitute criminal trespass but also represent a disturbing attempt to intimidate a public official and my team.

"Even more troubling, upon leaving, Mr. Figueroa told my staff, 'If you don't like it, you can call the police— call ICE.' Such a statement underscores the hostile and retaliatory nature of his behavior and further highlights the need for accountability.

"Given the rise in threats and attacks against elected officials across the country—and out of concern for the safety and well-being of my staff—I promptly reported the incident to law enforcement.

"As a uniformed member of the community and a representative of the fire department, Mr. Figueroa should have understood the seriousness of his actions. Instead, he acted in a way that disrespected both the position he holds and the public he is sworn to serve. I call on the leadership of the Brentwood Fire Department to investigate this clear case of conduct unbecoming of an officer and take appropriate disciplinary action.

"Mr. Figueroa's conduct showed a blatant disregard for authority, workplace safety, and basic decency. No one is above the law. No one has the right to trespass. And no one has the right to intimidate public servants.

"I place my full trust in the judicial system to address this matter with the fairness, transparency, and accountability that our laws are designed to ensure."

Patch reached out to Suffolk County police, who said Figueroa has not been arrested and that SCPD does not comment on accusations.

Figueroa acknowledged the charges in a statement, saying: "As chief of the East Brentwood Fire Department and a longtime volunteer firefighter, I cannot remain silent in the face of politically motivated attacks that aim to discredit the integrity of our departments and the selfless volunteers who serve this community.

"It has come to light that Assemblyman Phil Ramos filed charges against me–first by approaching the New York State Police in a confrontational manner. When informed that no crime had been committed, he then went to the local precinct, applying pressure in what appears to be a clear abuse of his title and influence. This behavior is deeply troubling, particularly from someone who once wore a badge.

"Phil Ramos, who retired from law enforcement over 25 years ago, has consistently used his position as an elected official to disparage first responders—especially law enforcement officers and volunteer firefighters. His long record of inflammatory rhetoric and divisive tactics is well documented. Rather than working collaboratively with our community's emergency responders, he has repeatedly chosen to vilify them.

"This latest episode stems from my decision to publicly challenge his baseless call to remove chiefs from a neighboring fire district—without any real consultation with the district itself. His so-called outreach came just hours before a profess conference that had already been promoted and prepared with a predetermined narrative. That's not leadership—that's grandstanding.

"It is especially disheartening that Assemblyman Ramos would target one of the few Hispanic fire chiefs on Long Island's volunteer ranks. Instead of lifting our communities up, he coninues ot use his office as a bully pulpit to tear them down. In times when we need solutions, he chooses to sow division.

"And while our volunteers have remained here, ready to respond ot any emergency, it's been reported that Mr. Ramos has been vacationing in the Dominican Republic since around July 12—leaving constituents behind while pretending to champion their struggles from afar.

"Our community deserves better. I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I will continue to stand up for our volunteers, our first responders and for truth. After 25 years of dysfunction and division, it's time we ask ourselves—has Phil Ramos truly served us, or has he served himself?

"The first rots from the head down. And it's time for a change."