Zohran Mamdani names first lesbian FDNY commissioner

Bonsignore is a 31-year FDNY veteran who retired in 2022. She will become the second woman to serve as FDNY commissioner and the first who is a lesbian. She is set to assume the role when Mamdani is inaugurated on January 1.

"I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner," Bonsignore said at a news conference Tuesday. "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 will replace Robert Tucker, who resigned one day after Mamdani won the mayoral race. Tucker had refused to serve under Mamdani. Mark Guerra has been serving as interim commissioner and will continue in that role through the end of current Mayor Eric Adams’ term.

"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, who understands every detail and who will tirelessly to empower FDNY and make it the best firefighting force in the world," Mamdani said.

"In Lillian, that is exactly what we have. 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."

"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 their times of need," he continued. "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.