In a historic move, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Lillian Bonsignore as the new commissioner of the FDNY, marking the first time the department will be led by someone who is openly gay.
According to The Post Millennial, Bonsignore, a 31-year veteran of the FDNY who retired in 2022, will be the second woman and the first lesbian to hold the position of commissioner. She is set to take over the role on January 1, coinciding with Mamdani's inauguration. "I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner," Bonsignore expressed during a news conference, emphasizing her commitment to the city and its residents.
Bonsignore will succeed Robert Tucker, who stepped down immediately after Mamdani's electoral victory, citing his unwillingness to serve under the new mayor. Mark Guerra has been filling in as interim commissioner and will continue until the conclusion of Mayor Eric Adams' term.
Mamdani praised the FDNY's vital role in the city, stating, "The work FDNY does stretches over every corner of our city. These are the heroes of our five boroughs who save lives on a moment's notice, and they deserve a leader who cares about their work, because she did it herself."
Mamdani lauded Bonsignore's extensive experience, noting her leadership during critical events such as 9/11 and the COVID pandemic. "In Lillian, that is exactly what we have. Her record speaks for itself -- 31 years of service, the former FDNY chief of EMS Services," he remarked.
He further expressed his desire for her leadership to be impactful, aiming to improve response times and maintain the FDNY's reputation as a trusted institution for New Yorkers in need.
Mamdani concluded by expressing his pride in Bonsignore's appointment, highlighting her excellence and New York City roots. "I am grateful to the Bronx's own Lillian for returning to FDNY, and I look forward to watching her thrive in this role," he added. As Bonsignore prepares to lead the department, her appointment signifies a commitment to diversity and excellence within the FDNY, aligning with conservative values of meritocracy and dedication to public service.
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