Former Emergency Medical Services Chief Selected as Second Woman to Head Fire Department
Zohran Mamdani selected retired Fire Department of New York veteran Lillian Bonsignore as the incoming city’s next fire commissioner, marking a historic appointment and a significant departure from traditional paths to the top of the nation’s largest municipal fire service. Bonsignore, who spent 31 years at the FDNY and led the department’s emergency medical services through the COVID-19 pandemic, became the second woman and first openly gay fire commissioner in department history when Mamdani announced her appointment on December 23.
Career-Long Dedication to Emergency Services
From EMT to Leadership
Bonsignore began her career as an emergency medical technician in 1991 at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and responded to the September 11 terror attacks, participating in rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. She steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 2002, captain in 2005, and deputy chief by 2009.
Historic EMS Leadership
In 2019, she achieved another historic milestone when she became the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ individual to serve as chief of EMS operations. City & State New York reported that Bonsignore’s appointment represents recognition of the EMS division’s critical role, with emergency medical calls constituting approximately 70% of all FDNY responses.
A Strategic Leadership Choice
Operational Experience Priority
Mamdani emphasized Bonsignore’s decades of frontline experience and her deep understanding of the department’s operational structure. During the appointment announcement at Fort Totten in Queens, the incoming mayor stated: “[The FDNY] deserves a leader who cares about their work because she did it herself, who understands every detail and will fight tirelessly to empower the FDNY and make it the best firefighting force in the world.”
Bonsignore’s Statement
Bonsignore responded to her appointment by saying: “I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner. This appointment represents a significant responsibility — one I accept with humility, dedication, and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people.”
Addressing the EMS-FDNY Relationship
Wage Equity Focus
ABC7 New York reported that both Mamdani and Bonsignore support efforts to address longstanding tensions between EMS and firefighters, particularly regarding wage disparities. The relationship between EMS and FDNY has been strained by an exodus of first responders attributed to significantly lower salaries compared to police and firefighters.
Worker Justice Commitment
Bonsignore stated during her announcement: “I am a big supporter of wage parity. I agree EMS should have parity and should have had it for a long time. This is literally a job people cannot live without.”
Addressing Concerns About Non-Firefighting Background
Defending Non-Traditional Path
Bonsignore’s appointment drew criticism from some who questioned whether her lack of traditional firefighting experience qualified her for the leadership position. However, Gothamist noted that former Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh praised the appointment, calling Bonsignore “one of the strongest leaders I have ever worked alongside. Nobody knows the FDNY and what the department means to our city better than Chief Bonsignore.”
Previous Commissioner Support
Kavanagh, the previous female fire commissioner, emphasized: “I saw firsthand Chief Bonsignore’s lifelong dedication to the FDNY, including her work on the front lines of COVID and in advocating for long-overdue EMS pay raises.”
Continuity During Critical Period
Operational Challenges Ahead
Bonsignore will take office on January 1 as the FDNY faces multiple operational challenges. Response times remain a critical concern, with budget constraints and staffing shortages affecting the department’s ability to serve all five boroughs efficiently.
Stated Priorities
Bonsignore identified several immediate priorities including reducing response times, improving public education on fire prevention, and implementing wage equity for EMS workers. Mamdani also announced that Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol and Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan would continue as interim commissioners during the winter snow season, providing continuity while permanent replacements are identified.
Historic Leadership Changes
Concurrent Female Leadership
The appointment marks the second time women will simultaneously head both the Fire Department and the Police Department in New York City. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch agreed to remain in her post under the Mamdani administration. Newsweek reported on the historic significance of these concurrent female appointments to leadership of two of the city’s most powerful and traditionally male-dominated agencies.
Previous FDNY Commissioner’s Departure
Tucker’s Resignation
The position became available when former Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker resigned the day after Mamdani won the general election. Tucker, a Jewish fire commissioner, stated that Mamdani’s critical statements about Israel would make it difficult for him to continue serving. In a CBS Mornings interview, Tucker explained: “I believe that the things that I have heard the mayor say would make it difficult for me to continue on in such a senior executive position. Ideologically, there’s no doubt that the mayor and I disagree on some very fundamental things.”
Looking Forward
Emerging Public Safety Crisis
Bonsignore’s leadership will shape the FDNY as it addresses emerging challenges including the proliferation of lithium-ion battery fires caused by e-bike batteries stored in residential buildings. Mamdani has made addressing this hazard a priority, proposing expanded public charging infrastructure for delivery workers’ electric bikes to reduce residential fire risks. The appointment of a 31-year veteran with deep institutional knowledge and frontline experience suggests that the Mamdani administration intends to prioritize operational effectiveness and staff welfare as core management principles.
