NEW YORK (WABC) — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has chosen the city’s next fire commissioner.
Lillian Bonsignore, a well-respected retired EMS chief, will be the next fire commissioner.
Bonsignore will be the second female fire commissioner, behind Laura Kavanagh. The mayor-elect will make the announcement at 1 p.m. at Fort Totten in Queens, home of the FDNY EMS Academy. Bonsignore was appointed Chief of EMS Academy at Fort Totten in 2016, and served as Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2020.
Bonsignore is a 31-year FDNY veteran who retired in 2022. She is considered a no-nonsense leader and respected within FDNY EMS, with a similar personality to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is staying on for the Mamdani administration. Before Mamdani takes office however, First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra is the acting fire commissioner. Mayor Eric Adams’ office will hold a formal swearing in for Guerra at Gracie Mansion at 1 p.m.
New York City – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has announced the appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as the new Fire Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). This decision marks a significant step in the city’s leadership, as Bonsignore brings decades of experience in fire safety and emergency management.
Bonsignore, who has spent years in various leadership roles within the FDNY, is recognized for her expertise in modernizing fire operations and implementing community-focused safety programs. Her appointment reflects Mamdani’s commitment to professional excellence and inclusive leadership in city governance.
In a statement, Mayor-elect Mamdani said, “Lillian Bonsignore is a proven leader with the skills, experience, and vision necessary to lead the FDNY into a new era. Her dedication to public safety and her innovative approach make her the ideal choice for this critical role.”
Bonsignore expressed gratitude for the appointment and emphasized her commitment to protecting New Yorkers. “I am honored to serve as Fire Commissioner and look forward to working with the men and women of the FDNY to ensure the safety and well-being of every New Yorker,” she said.
The FDNY plays a crucial role in emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety throughout New York City. With Bonsignore at the helm, the department is expected to continue advancing its initiatives in safety, training, and community engagement.
Bonsignore’s appointment is seen as a milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance leadership diversity within its key agencies. City officials and community leaders have widely welcomed the announcement, praising her experience and dedication.
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