BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo firefighters are being urged by their union and the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) to be cautious, after the state association found threatening comments against firefighters on social media.
The NYSPFFA says the threats come from a subject claiming to be from an extremist group, but the group has not been named. It provides these examples of threats found online (with original capitalization):
"As you fight, remember that the FIREMEN and POLICE are on the SAME SIDE! Don't be fooled."
"WE ARE CALLING ON ALL GANGS ACROSS THE NATION! ATTACK EVERYTHING IN BLUE EXCEPT THE MAILMAN, UNLESS HE IS CARRYING MORE THAN MAIL!"
The Buffalo Professional Firefighters Association Local 282 says it doesn't know whether these threats are credible, but it wants its members to be extra vigilant and use "situational awareness." It also urges members to trust their gut, and call for police if needed.
By Megan Erbacher