Gay firefighters

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, who understands every detail and who will tirelessly to empower FDNY and make it the best firefighting force in the world," Mamdani said. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.)

Mamdani praised Bonsignore’s long service record and operational experience, saying the department’s work reaches every corner of the city and demands leadership rooted in firsthand knowledge.

“The work FDNY does stretches over every corner of our city.

Her record speaks for itself — 31 years of service, the former FDNY chief of EMS Services, leadership on the front lines of 9/11 and the COVID pandemic.”

Mamdani added that Bonsignore’s leadership will focus on lowering response times and strengthening public trust in emergency services.

“I want Lillian’s leadership to be felt, not only as we continue to lower response times and save lives, but as we continue to ensure that FDNY is exactly who New Yorkers turn to [in] their times of need,” Mamdani said.

“In Lillian, that is exactly what we have. The mayor-elect said he is retaining Department of Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol and Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan on an interim basis in the interest of continuity, according to CBS News.

Mamdani has previously tapped rapper Mysonne Linen, who served seven years in state prison for armed robbery, to sit on his transition team’s criminal legal system committee, even misspelling Linen’s name as “Mysoone” on the official roster.

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, who understands every detail and who will [work] tirelessly to empower FDNY and make it the best firefighting force in the world,” Mamdani said. We are an integral part of the very fabric of the city, saving lives, providing hope, and ensuring resilience every single day," she said, later adding, "While I know that we will face challenges ahead, I am confident that united we can meet them with courage and resolve.

During a Friday appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Linen repeatedly mispronounced Mamdani’s last name, cycling through several variations that appeared inaccurate.

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"She is the kind of leader I am so proud to have in my administration, and possesses the kind of excellence that stands out, even in New York City, where she was born and raised.

"I am grateful to the Bronx's own Lillian for returning to FDNY, and I look forward to watching her thrive in this role," Mamdani added.

Bonsignore cites "extraordinary commitment" of the FDNY

Bonsignore made similar history back in 2019 when she was sworn in as the first openly gay Chief of EMS for the FDNY, a position she held until 2022.

"Having dedicated my entire adult life to a career in FDNY/EMS, and having served as the chief of EMS operations through the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, I have seen firsthand the immense courage, resilience and sacrifice of our EMS personnel, firefighters and support staff," Bonsignore said.

11, 2026, will mark 25 years since the terrorist attack on Lower Manhattan.

"Throughout this year, we will honor and remember our friends, colleagues, and family we lost over the years," Bonsignore said. She will oversee 11,000 firefighters, 4,500 EMTs, and more than 2,000 civilian employees.

"Her record speaks for itself"

Mamdani spoke glowingly of Bonsignore's many accomplishments during her long career of service to the city.

"The work FDNY does stretches over every corner of our city.

"This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication, and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people."

Bonsignore, a mother and wife, was born and raised in the Bronx. Our mission remains to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism."

The incoming fire commissioner said the FDNY will rely heavily on collaboration with city leaders and other departments to "forge partnerships that promote safety, efficiency and the wellbeing of New Yorkers."

"I am dedicated to the fostering of a culture of support, innovation and continuous improvement within the department.

Bonsignore accepted the appointment during a news conference at Fort Totten Park, home to the department’s EMS training academy, calling the role a solemn responsibility and pledging a deep commitment to the city.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 13: (L-R) Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Lillian Bonsignore, and John Hodgens visit the Empire State Building in honor of EMS Week on May 13, 2022 in New York City.

I am so proud to have in my administration, and [who] possesses the kind of excellence that stands out, even in New York City, where she was born and raised.

Mamdani’s appointment of Bonsignore comes as he continues to finalize senior leadership roles ahead of his inauguration.

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