{{Short description|Civilian administrator of the NYC Fire Department}} {{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{use mdy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox official post | post = Fire Commissioner<br/>of the City of New York | insignia = | insigniasize = | insigniacaption = | image = Lillian Bonsignore 2022.png | style = | residence = | appointer = Mayor of New York | termlength = Not specified | termlength_qualified = Renewable at mayor's pleasure | constituting_instrument = | formation = 1865 | succession = | deputy = | inaugural = | website = {{Official URL}} | footnotes = | incumbent = Lillian Bonsignore | acting = | incumbentsince = January 6, 2026 | salary = $277,605 (as of 2024) }} The '''New York City fire commissioner''' is the civilian administrator of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and is appointed by the mayor of the City of New York. Prior to 1865, the New York City Fire Department was staffed by volunteers. On March 30, 1865 the New York State legislature passed a law organizing the Metropolitan Fire Department as a paid firefighting force that took control of all the powers and authority of the volunteer department, as well as all the assets such as the fire trucks, equipment, and buildings. The law also created a commission to oversee the department, and for its administration and functioning.<ref name=":1867">{{cite book |title=Laws of the State of New York Passed at the Eighty-Eighth Session of the Legislature, Begun January Third and Ended April Twenty-Ninth, 1865, in the City of Albany. Chapter 249 – An act to create a Metropolitan Fire District and establish a Fire Department therein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmBZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA395 |volume=88 |publisher=William Gould |location=Albany |date=1865 |pages=395–396 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> After a lawsuit contesting the constitutionality of the law was dismissed by the New York Court of Appeals,<ref>{{cite news |title=The Paid Fire Department – Sketch of the Volunteer Department – Its History and Defects – The New Bill in the Legislature – Legal Action – Final Establishment of the Bill – How the Firemen Feel – The New Board – Their First Public Paper |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/22/archives/the-paid-fire-department-sketch-of-the-volunteer-department-its.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 22, 1865 |page=8 |access-date=July 8, 2014}}</ref> it immediately started to operate.<ref name=F2>{{cite news |title=The Fire Commissioners Sworn In – Philip W. Engs Appointed in Place of Samuel Sloan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/05/04/archives/the-fire-commissioners-sworn-inphilip-w-enge-appointed-in-place-of.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 4, 1865 |page=5 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><ref name=F3>{{cite news |title=The Paid Fire Department – A Temporary Injunction Obtained Against Chief-Engineer Decker, the Mayor and Common Council – The Apparatus and Property Not to be Transferred at Present to the New Commissioners – A Stout Fight to be Made in the Courts Against the Enforcement of the Law – The Feeling of the Old Firemen Expressed by Themselves – First Meeting of the New Board – Chas. E. Pinckney, President; Philip W. Engs, Treasurer, and Charles E. Gildersleeve, Secretary – Supreme Court – Chambers – Before Justice Sutherland |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/05/05/archives/the-paid-fire-department-a-temporary-injunction-obtained-against.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 5, 1865 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref>
During the remainder of the 19th century, the number of commissioners was periodically changed by the New York State legislature, until a single commissioner was put in charge of the FDNY when Manhattan and the Bronx consolidated with Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island to form The City of New York on January 1, 1898. Since then, there have been 37 commissioners (41 including acting commissioners). The current commissioner is Lillian Bonsignore, who was appointed by Zohran Mamdani at the beginning of his mayoral administration.
==List of fire commissioners== ===Pre-consolidated City of New York=== During this period, the commissioners elected their own president who ran the commission meetings,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=dmBZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA396 ''Laws of the State of New York Passed at the Eighty-Eighth Session of the Legislature...'', §4, pages 396–397]</ref> and treasurer, who was the fiscal officer and responsible for reporting the department's finances to the mayor and the Board of Aldermen.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=dmBZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA398 ''Laws of the State of New York Passed at the Eighty-Eighth Session of the Legislature...'', §9, page 398]</ref> {| class="wikitable" style=" |- | colspan=1 | <strong>Date</strong> || colspan=10 align=center | <strong>Commissioners</strong> |- | colspan=11 align=center | <strong>As a commission of four, nominated by the Governor, by and with the consent of the State Senate</strong><ref name=":1867"/> |- | May 3, 1865 || colspan=2 | Charles C. Pinckney<ref name=F2/><ref name=F3/> || colspan=3 | James W. Booth<ref name=F2/><ref name=F3/> || colspan=3 | Philip W. Engs<ref name=F2/><ref name=F3/> || colspan=2 | Martin B. Brown<ref name=F2/><ref name=F3/> |- | May 4, 1865 || colspan=2 | elected president<ref name=F4>{{cite news |title=Organization of the New Fire Board |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/05/05/archives/organization-of-the-new-fire-board.html|newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 5, 1865 |page=4 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | || colspan=3 | elected treasurer<ref name=F4/> ||colspan=2 | |- | August 30, 1865 || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | resigned, position vacant<ref>{{cite news |title=The Fire Department – Resignation of Commissioner Booth – Employes in the Chief's Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/08/31/archives/the-fire-department-resignation-of-commisssioner-booth-employes-in.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 31, 1865 |page=2 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | || colspan=2 | |- | September 1, 1865 || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | Joshua G. Abbe<ref>{{cite news |title=The New Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/09/02/archives/the-new-fire-commissioner.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 1, 1865 |page=4 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | || colspan=2 | |- | March 30, 1867 || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | || colspan=3 | || colspan=2 | resigned, position vacant |- | colspan=11 align=center | <strong>As a commission of five, nominated by the Governor, by and with the consent of the State Senate</strong><ref>{{cite book |title=Statutes at Large of the State of New York Containing the General Statues Passed in the Years 1867, 1868, 1869, & 1870 With a Reference to All the Decisions Upon Them – Chapter 408 – An act to provide for an additional Metropolitan Fire Commissioner, and to regulate and establish the pay of the members and employees of the Metropolitan Fire Department |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xE0wAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA98 |editor=John W. Edmonds |volume=VII |section=1 |edition=First |publisher=Weed, Parsons & Company |location=Albany, N.Y. |date=1870 |pages=98–99 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | May 1, 1867 || Alexander Shaler<ref name=NYT1>{{cite news |title=Fire Department – Organization of the New Board |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1867/05/02/archives/local-intelligence-board-of-education-funeral-of-rear-admiral.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 2, 1867 |page=2 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />elected president<ref name=NYT1/> || colspan=3 |Joshua G. Abbe<ref name=NYT1/><br />elected treasurer<ref name=NYT1/> || colspan=2 | Theodorus Bailey Myers<ref name=NYT1/> || colspan=3 | James Galway<ref name=NYT1/> || Monmouth B. Wilson<ref name=NYT1/> |- | September 21, 1868 || || colspan=3 | died, position vacant<ref>{{cite news |title=Obituary – Death of J.G. Abbe |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1868/09/22/archives/obituary-death-of-j-g-abbe.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 21, 1868 |page=5 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | || |- | September 26, 1868 || || colspan=3 | || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | elected treasurer<ref>{{cite news |title=The Fire Department – New Code of Signals — Discipline of the Force — The Library — Mr. Abbe's Successor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1868/09/27/archives/the-fire-department-new-code-of-signalsdiscipline-of-the-forcethe.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 27, 2024 |page=8 |access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref> || |- | November 18, 1868 || || colspan=3 | James M. McLean<ref>{{cite news| title=Election of a Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/85355873 |newspaper=New York Daily Tribune |date=November 13, 1868 |page=8 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> || colspan=2 | || colspan=3 | || |- | colspan=11 align=center | <strong>As a commission of five, nominated by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Aldermen</strong><ref>{{cite book |title=Laws of the State of New York, Passed at the Ninety-Third Session of the Legislature, Begun January Fourth, and Ended April Twenty-Sixth, 1870, in the City of Albany – Chapter 137 – An act to reorganize the local government of the City of New York – Article Tenth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mWxZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA387 |volume=I |section=81 |publisher=Weed, Parsons & Company |location=Albany, N.Y. |date=1870 |page=387 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | late April 1870 || Alexander Shaler<ref name=heads>{{cite news |title=The City Government – Heads of Departments Appointed by the Mayor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1870/04/11/archives/the-city-government-heads-of-departments-appointed-by-the-mayor.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 11, 1870 |page=8 |access-date=July 3, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | William Hitchman<ref name=heads/> || colspan=2 | James S. Hennessy<ref name=heads/> || colspan=3 | James Galway<ref name=heads/> || John J. Blair<ref name=heads/> |- | April 30, 1870 || || colspan=3 |elected president<ref name=ep>{{cite news |title=Fire Department – Organization of the New Board – Resolutions and Orders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1870/05/01/archives/fire-department-organization-of-the-new-boardresolutions-and-orders.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 1, 1870 |page=6 |access-date=July 3, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=2 | elected treasurer<ref name=ep/> || colspan=3 | || |- | colspan=11 align=center | <strong>As a commission of three, nominated by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Aldermen</strong><ref>{{cite book |title=Laws of the State Affecting Interests in the City and County of New York, Passed by the Legislature of 1873 – Chapter 335 – Article X – An act to reorganize the local government of the City of New York |section=76 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rIhPAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA109 |page=109 |publisher=Martin B. Brown |location=New York |via=Board of Supervisors |date=June 30, 1873 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | May 16, 1873 || colspan=3 | Joseph L. Perley<ref name=ss>{{cite journal |title=Special Session – Board of Aldermen – Messages from His Honor the Mayor |url=http://safe.sur.ly/o/cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/AA000014?pageviewId=desktop-302e333034363331303020313731383135373030382031323538323031343434&downgradeProtocol=1 |journal=The City Record |volume=1 |issue=1 |date=June 24, 1873 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | Roswell D. Hatch<ref name=ss/> || colspan=3 | Cornelius Van Cott<ref name=ss/> |- | May 19, 1873 || colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=pt>{{cite journal |title=Fire Department |url=http://safe.sur.ly/o/cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/AA000014?pageviewId=desktop-302e333034363331303020313731383135373030382031323538323031343434&downgradeProtocol=1 |journal=The City Record |volume=1 |issue=3 |date=June 26, 1873 |page=9 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref name=pt/> || colspan=3 | |- | May 1, 1875 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | term ended<br />Vincent C. King<ref>{{cite journal |title=Fire Department – Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 1875 |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1875/1875-08-09.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=III |issue=652 |date=August 9, 1875 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | May 1, 1877 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | term ended<ref name=":1877">{{cite journal |title=Fire Department – Report for the Quarter ending June 30, 1877 |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1877/1877-07-18.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=V |issue=1,246 |date=July 18, 1877 |page=999 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | |- | May 3, 1877 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | John J. Gorman<ref name=":1877"/> || colspan=3 | |- | May 5, 1877 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref name=":1877"/> || colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=":1877"/> |- | May 1, 1879 || colspan=3 | term ended, position vacant<ref>{{cite book |first=A.E. |last=Costello |title=Birth of the Bravest – A History of the New York Fire Department from 1609 to 1887 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VsXgdiKFpWkC |publisher=Tom Doherty Associates |location=New York |orig-date=1887 |date=2002 |edition=First, Substantially Abridged |page=395 |isbn=0-765-30582-8}}</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | May 20, 1879 || colspan=3 | Van Cott (second non-consec. term)<ref>Costello, p. 395–386.</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | May 1, 1881 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | term ended, position vacant<ref name=":1881">{{cite journal |title=Fire Department – Report for the Three Months and Year ending December 31, 1881 |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1882/1882-06-23.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=X |issue=2,754 |page=supplement |date=June 23, 1882 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":1881a">{{cite book |title=Report of the Fire Department of the City of New York for the Three Months and Year Ending December 31, 1881, With the Rules and Regulations, Tabular Statements and Details of Fires and Alarms, and Law Relating to the Department |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CcQ1AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA3 |page=3 |publisher=Martin B. Brown |location=New York |date=1882 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | May 9, 1881 ||colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=":1881"/><ref name=":1881a"/><ref>{{cite journal |title=Fire Department |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1881/1881-05-18.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=IX |issue=2,420 |page=849 |date=May 18, 1881 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><ref>Costello, p. 400.</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | August 10, 1881 || colspan=3 | elected treasurer<ref name=":1881"/><ref name=":1881a"/> || colspan=4 | elected president<ref name=":1881"/><ref name=":1881a"/> || colspan=3 | |- | September 14, 1881 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | Henry D. Purroy<ref name=":1881"/><ref name=":1881a"/><ref>{{cite journal |title=Legislative Department – Board of Aldermen – Stated Session |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1881/1881-09-14.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=IX |issue=2,519 |page=1,627 |date=September 14, 1881 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | May 10, 1883 || colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=":1883">{{cite journal |title=Fire Department – Communications |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1883/1883-06-27.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XI |issue=3,063 |date=June 27, 1883 |page=1,385 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | elected treasurer<ref name=":1883"/> |- | November 16, 1883 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | resigned<ref name=NYT84>{{cite news |title=Croker Gets an Office – But Not So Good As the Police Justiceship – Croker Made Fire Commissioner in Place of Gorman, Who With O'Reilly, Becomes Police Justice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1883/11/16/archives/croker-gets-an-office-but-not-so-good-as-the-police-justiceship.html? |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 16, 1883 |page=8 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />Richard Croker<ref name=NYT84/> || colspan=3 | |- | May 1, 1885 || colspan=3 | term ended<ref name=":1884">{{cite journal |title=Fire Department – Report for the Quarter ending June 30, 1885 |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1885/1885-07-28.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XIII |issue=3,703 |page=1,619 |date=July 28, 1885 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | May 9, 1885 || colspan=3 | remaining term taken by Purroy<ref name=":1884"/><br />elected president<ref name=":1884"/> || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref name=":1884"/>|| colspan=3 | resigned to take Van Cott’s remaining term<ref name=":1884"/><br />Elward Smith<ref name=":1884"/> |- | May 9, 1887 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | resigned to take Smith's remaining term<ref name=NYT1887>{{cite news |title=Appointed by the Mayor – Filling Six Vacant Seats in Departments – Three New Commissioners — Porter and Voorhis Retained — Croker Reappointed After Resigning |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1887/05/10/archives/appointed-by-the-mayor-filling-six-vacant-seats-in-departments.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 9, 1887 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />position vacant<ref name=NYT1887/> || colspan=3 | term ended<ref name=NYT1887/><br />Croker (second term)<ref name=NYT1887/> |- |May 10, 1888 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | Fitz John Porter<ref>{{cite news |title=Four New Commissioners – The Mayor's Selection for Vacant Places – Porter for the Fire Department, MacLean for Police, Daly for Accounts, and Towle for Parks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/05/11/archives/four-new-commissioners-the-mayors-selection-for-vacant-places.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 11, 1888 |page=8 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> |- | April 9, 1889 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | resigned to become City Chamberlain<ref>{{cite news |title=Croker in the Fat Office – The Mayor Makes Him City Chamberlain – He Files His Bond and Appoints a Deputy – Something About the Leader of Tammany Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1889/04/10/archives/croker-in-the-fat-office-the-mayor-makes-him-city-chamberlain-he.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 10, 1888 |page=6 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />position vacant |- | May 2, 1889 || colspan=3 | resigned to take Porter's remaining term<ref name=":1889">{{cite journal|title=Fire Department – Report for the Quarter ending June 30, 1889 |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1889/1889-09-23.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XVII |issue=4,974 |date=September 23, 1889 |page=2,954 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />Anthony Eickhoff<ref name=":1889"/><br />elected treasurer<ref name=":1889"/> || colspan=4 | Purroy (second term)<ref name=":1889"/> || colspan=3 | S. Howland Robbins<ref name=":1889"/> |- | May 29, 1891 || colspan=3 | Eickhoff (reappointed to second term)<ref>{{cite news |title=Scannell Out in the Cold – Mayor Grant Announces His Appointments at Last – Eickhoff Succeeds Himself — Phelan Made Dock Commissioner — The Smith-Welde Deal Carried Out — A Cold Shoulder to Voorhis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1891/05/30/archives/scannell-out-in-the-cold-mayor-grant-announces-his-appointments-at.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 30, 1891 |page= 8|access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | January 1, 1893 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | resigned to become New York County Clerk<ref>{{cite news |title=Good Thing to Guess At – Why Grant Left All the Offices for Gilroy to Fill – Some Say He Disregarded the Spirit of the Law — They Declare That It Was His Duty to Make Certain Appointments — An Explanation Involving Scannell |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/11/27/archives/good-thing-to-guess-at-why-grant-left-all-the-offices-for-gilroy-to.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 27, 1892 |page=10 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />position vacant |- | January 10, 1893 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | John J. Scannell<ref name=jjs1>{{cite journal |title=Executive Department – Communications |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1893/1893-01-11.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XXI |issue=5,982 |date=January 11, 1893 |page=125 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=jjs1/> |- | May 1, 1893 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | reapppointed/moved to an empty full term<ref name=jjs2>{{cite news |title=Places Filled by the Mayor – He Makes Fifteen Appointments and Clears His Desk – Bernard F. Martin a Police Justice and John J. Scanell Reappointed Fire Commissioner — Brennan Not Touched — Many Surprises in the List — Curiosity as to Andrew J. White's Action in Accepting a Smaller Salary and Shorter Term Than He Had — Wanted a Change |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1893/05/02/archives/places-filled-by-the-mayor-he-makes-fifteen-appointments-and-clears.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 2, 1893 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />Henry Winthrop Gray<ref name=jjs2/> || colspan=3 | term ended<ref name=jjs2/><br />Scannell (full term)<ref name=jjs2/> |- | May 2, 1893 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref name=org>{{cite news |title=Fire Commissioners Reorganize |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1893/05/03/archives/fire-commissioners-reorganize.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 3, 1893 |page=8 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 |elected president<ref name=org/> |- | February 2, 1894 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | resigned<ref name=shr1>{{cite news|title=H. Winthrop Gray Is Out – Relations with Fellow-Fire Commissioners Unpleasant |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1894/02/03/archives/h-winthrop-gray-is-out-relations-with-fellowfire-commissioners.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 3, 1894 |page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><ref name=shr2>{{cite news |title=Mr. Gray Resigns – And S. Howland Robbins Succeeds Him as Fire Commissioner – Culmination of Quarrels Over the Soteldo Charges – Interesting Letters Held Back |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world/93525515/ |newspaper=The World |location=New York, N.Y. |date=February 3, 1894 |page=9 |access-date=July 8, 2014}}</ref><br />replaced by S. Howland Robbins<ref name=shr1/><ref name=shr2/> || colspan=3 | |- | March 5, 1895 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | ||colspan=3 | resigned/removed<ref name=ohlr>{{cite news|title=Place for Gen La Grange – Will Succeed John J. Scannell as Fire Commissioner – Talking Over the Local Census – May Be Begun About April 1 — Delegation of Women Call on the Mayor and Suggest Six School Commissioners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1895/03/05/archives/place-for-gen-la-grange-will-succeed-john-j-scannell-as-fire.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 5, 1895|page=1 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />replaced by Oscar H. La Grange<ref name=ohlr/><br />elected president<ref name=ohlr/> |- | March 7, 1895 || colspan=3 | resigned/removed<ref name=jrs>{{cite news |title=James R. Sheffield's New Office – Sworn In as a Fire Commissioner to Succeed Anthony Eickhoff — Other Appointments to be Made |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1895/03/08/archives/james-r-sheffields-new-office-sworn-in-as-a-fire-commissioner-to.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 8, 1895 |page=9 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />James R. Sheffield<ref name=jrs/> || colspan=4 | || colspan=3 | |- | May 1, 1895 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | term ended<ref name=aef>{{cite news |title=Appointed by the Mayor – Austin E. Ford Becomes a Member of the Fire Board – A Six-Year Term for Mr. Einstein – His Place on the Dock Board Made Permanent — Police Commission May Not Be Completed Pending Legislation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1895/05/02/archives/appointed-by-the-mayor-austin-e-ford-becomes-a-member-of-the-fire.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 2, 1895 |page=8 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref><br />Austin E. Ford<ref name=aef/><ref>{{cite journal |title=Fire Department |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1895/1895-08-22.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XXIII |issue=6,780 |date=August 22, 1895 |page=2,413 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | |- | June 30, 1896 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref>{{cite news |title=Mr. Sheffield's Resignation – Mr. Ford Now Treasurer of the Fire Board — Time for Conon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1896/06/30/archives/mr-sheffields-resignation-mr-ford-now-treasurer-of-the-fire-board.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 30, 1896 |page=11 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | |- | September 17, 1896 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | died, position vacant<ref name=ts>{{cite news |title=To Succeed Austin E. Ford – Thomas Sturgis Made a Fire Commissioner by the Mayor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1896/09/27/archives/to-succeed-austin-e-ford-thomas-sturgis-made-a-fire-commissioner-by.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 27, 1896 |page=11 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=3 | |- | September 26, 1896 || colspan=3 | || colspan=4 | Thomas Sturgis<ref name=ts/> || colspan=3 | |- | September 28, 1896 || colspan=3 | elected president<ref name=":1896">{{cite journal |title=Fire Department |url=http://cityrecord.engineering.nyu.edu/data/1896/1896-12-11.pdf |journal=The City Record |volume=XXIV |issue=7,177 |date=December 11, 1896 |page=3,611 |access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> || colspan=4 | elected treasurer<ref name=":1896"/> || colspan=3 | |- | January 1, 1898 || colspan=10 align=center | replaced by Scannell as a single commissioner (see next table) |}
===City of New York=== {| class="wikitable" ! Number || Name || Dates in Office || Administration || Notes and References !Deputy |- | 1 || John J. Scannell || January 1, 1898 – December 31, 1901 || Robert Anderson Van Wyck || His salary was $5,000 per year (approximately ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|5000|1893|r=-3}}}} today)<ref>{{cite news|title=The New City Officials — As Announced by Mayor Van Wyck, the Slate Contains Some Surprises — Politicians Are Puzzled — Friends of Hugh J. Grant Seem to be Intentionally Ignored — The List as Given Out Yesterday|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1898/01/02/102066525.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 10, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1898|page=1}}</ref><ref name=obit>{{cite news |title=J.J. Scannell, Old Tammanyite, Dies — Ex-Fire Commissioner and Ex-Fire Chief Expires of Pneumonia at 78 Years — Avenged Brother's Death — Acquitted as Insane, His Political Rise Followed Friendship Made with Croker in Tombs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/03/06/archives/j-j-scannell-old-tammanyite-dies-exfire-commissioner-and-exfire.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date= March 6, 1918|page=9|access-date=March 25, 2010}}</ref> |James H. Tully<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 17, 1898 |title=In the Social World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-james-h-tully-deputy/148479221/ |work=Standard Union |location=Brooklyn, New York |pages=3}}</ref> |- | 2 || Thomas Sturgis || January 1, 1902 – December 31, 1903 || Seth Low || Previously served as a pre-consolidation fire commissioner.<ref name=ts/> |Richard H. Laimbeer<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1934 |title=R. H. Laimbeer Jr., Once Judge, Dies |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/02/20/94494116.html?pageNumber=24 |work=The New York Times |page=24 |access-date=December 25, 2025}}</ref> |- | 3 ||Nicholas J. Hayes || January 1, 1904 – December 31, 1905 || rowspan=5 | George B. McClellan Jr. ||<ref>{{cite news|title=New Mayor In Office — Col. McClellan's Address In Taking Over City Government — Promises to Administer Affairs in the Interest of All the People — Compliments His Predecessor on the Esteem Which He Has Earned|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/01/02/101161610.html?pageNumber=14|access-date=December 9, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1904|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New Chiefs in Control|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1902/01/02/118465063.html?pageNumber=14|access-date=December 9, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1902|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thomas Sturgis — Fire Commissioner, Who Removed Chief Croker, Dies in England|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1914/02/27/100301198.html#100301198.html?pageNumber=11&_suid=145021547215906490872250729236|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 27, 1914|page=11}}</ref> |William A. Doyle<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 30, 1903 |title=W. A. Doyle Deputy Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-william-a-doyle-deput/148484688/ |work=The Evening World |location=New York |pages=2}}</ref> |- | 4 || John H. O'Brien || January 1, 1906 – October 10, 1906 || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Fire Head Turns Down Croker's Order — O'Brien Sustains Hayes in Clash with the Chief — Inherits Department Row — Croker Revoked Hayes' Details, Hayes Reasserted Them, and the Chief Revoked Them Again|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/01/02/101761174.html?pageNumber=5|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1906|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=J.H. O'Brien Dies; Ex-City Official — Former Fire Commissioner and Member of Water Supply Board of New York — Served Public 3 Decades — When Political Writer for The Sun — Attracted Notice of Late Mayor McClellan |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1941/02/05/85329542.html#85329542.html?pageNumber=19&_suid=145021510975109759263533025648|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 5, 1941|page=19}}</ref> | |- | 5 || Francis J. Lantry || October 10, 1906 – February 10, 1908 || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mayor Drafts Lantry For Fire Commissioner — Coggey Made the Head of the Correction Department — He Has Been a Murphy Man — Lantry, Who Takes O'Brien's Place, Highly Praised by Mayor McClellan Before the Shift|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1906/10/11/100498992.html?pageNumber=16|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 11, 1906|page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Death Claims Lantry, Once High In Tammany — Former Fire and Correction Appointee Split With Murphy as to McClellan and Hearst|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1922/10/08/107071141.html#107071141.html?pageNumber=25&_suid=145021481446407526263019824304|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 8, 1922|page=25}}</ref> | |- | 6 || Hugh Bonner || February 10, 1908 – March 13, 1908 || Died before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hugh Bonner Heads Fire Department — This and Other Appointments by the Mayor Please Tammany Leader Murphy — Spooner Head of Docks — McClellan, In an Official Statement, Pleads for Democratic Unity Here for the Coming National Fight|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1908/02/11/104717344.html?pageNumber=6|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 11, 1908|page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hugh Bonner Dead — Recently Appointed Fire Commissioner and Long a Chief in the Department|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1908/03/13/104850428.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 13, 1908|page=1}}</ref> | |- | — || Nicholas J. Hayes || March 13, 1908 – January 3, 1910 || This was his second non-consecutive term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hayes In Bonner's Place — Mayor Makes the ex-Sheriff City Fire Commissioner|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1908/03/21/104799389.html?pageNumber=3|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 21, 1908|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas J. Hayes Dies Suddenly — Commissioner of Water Supply Is Stricken With Heart Disease in His Home — Once a Power in Tammany — Served as Sheriff and as Head of Fire Department — Was Friend of Late C.F. Murphy|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/01/03/91456064.html#91456064.html?pageNumber=7&_suid=145021425662605273470443048654|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 3, 1928|page=7}}</ref> |Charles C. Wise<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1910 |title=O'Keeffe on his new job |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-deputy-fire-commissioners-white/148358692/ |work=The Sun |location=New York |pages=5}}</ref> |- | 7 || Rhinelander Waldo || January 3, 1910 – May 23, 1911 || William Jay Gaynor || Resigned less than two months after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire to become the 8th New York City Police Commissioner. He was also Chief of the Aqueduct Police (now the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police).<ref>{{cite news|title=Gaynor Names Six; Tiger Not Favored — Announcement Coupled with Praise of Murphy Who, Says the Mayor, Hasn't Horns — Waldo Fire Commissioner — Watkins Corporation Counsel, Tomkins Dock Commissioner, and Hyde City Chamberlain|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/01/03/104915620.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 3, 1910|page=1}}</ref><ref name=gj>{{cite news|title=Gaynor Puts Waldo In Cropsey's Place — Tells Him to Banish Favoritism from Police as He Did from Fire Department — Inspector O'Brien Out — Cropsey's Last Official Act — Resigned Thursday After a Tilt — Croker or O'Keeffe for Fire Head |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/05/24/105027883.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 24, 1911|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Waldo, 50, Dies Of Septic Poisoning — Former Police and Fire Head Succumbs at Garrison, N.Y., of an Old Ailment — Served in the Philippines — Arduous Labors There Blamed for Fatal Illness — Storm Centre While In Office Here|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1927/08/14/96664235.html#96664235.html?pageNumber=28&_suid=1450213771706008450574042177566|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 14, 1927|page=28}}</ref> |Arthur J. O'Keeffe<ref name=":1" /> |- | 8 || Joseph Johnson || May 23, 1911 – June 1, 1911 (acting)<br />June 1, 1911 – December 31, 1913 || William Jay Gaynor,<br />Ardolph L. Kline || Acting New York City Fire Commissioner, then promoted to New York City Fire Commissioner.<ref name=gj/><ref>{{cite news|title=Driscoll Quits Job; O'Keeffe To Get It — Will Command in Brooklyn — McKay of Aqueduct Police Fourth Deputy in Booraem's Place — Gaynor Talks Amid Cheers — Central Figure at Promotion of 129 Men — 86 Appointments to Force, Including Cropsey's Troublesome 48|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/05/30/106725328.html?pageNumber=3|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 30, 1911|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Johnson Appointed Fire Commissioner — O'Keeffe's Selection as First Police Deputy Is Now Expected — Waldo Praises Successor — Who Says the Department Will Run Along as New Police Head Planned — The Great Oak's Career|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/06/02/104826232.html?pageNumber=5|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Joseph Johnson, 71, Ex-Official In City — Fire Commissioner, 1911-1917 — Was Named by Gaynor — Dies at Home in Atlanta — Former Newspaper Man — Began 'Model Saloon' in 1904 — Had Been Film Executive and Served Red Cross|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1942/03/09/88108704.html#88108704.html?pageNumber=19&_suid=14502133442090193688516234494|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 9, 1942|page=19}}</ref> | Philip J. Farley<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1914 |title=Laimbeer Deputy Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-laimbeer-succee/148159873/ |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=1}}</ref> |- | 9 || Robert Edward Adamson || January 1, 1914 – December 31, 1917 || John Purroy Mitchel ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Mitchel Names His City Helpers — Henry Bruere City Chamberlain, Adamson Fire Commissioner, as Predicted — Several Men Hold Over — John T. Featherson, Recognized National Expert, to Clean the Streets — Miss Davis Commissioner — Republicans Get Many Places, Progressives Two, Independent Democrats the Rest|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1914/01/01/100294345.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 1, 1914|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Robert Adamson, Ex-Fire Head, Dies — Commissioner Under Mitchel Had Been Secretary to Gaynor, Then Kline — Collapses in His Office — Former Banker and Reporter an Editor at 20 — Cut Losses and Raised Firemen's Pay|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/09/20/93775747.html#93775747.html?pageNumber=21&_suid=145021242768707378109204097825|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 20, 1935|page=21}}</ref> |Richard H. Laimbeer<ref name=":02" /> |- | 10 || Thomas J. Drennan || January 1, 1918 – April 30, 1926 || John Francis Hylan,<br />Jimmy Walker || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Named By Hylan For Big City Posts — Alfred J. Johnson, City Chamberlain, Has Prominent Wall Street Connections — Many Veterans Appointed - Bird S. Coler, W.P. Burr, N.J. Hayes, J.A. Cantor, and Arthur Murphy All on the List|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1918/01/02/113304595.html?pageNumber=3|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 2, 1918|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=T.J. Drennan Dies From Heart Attack — Commissioner of Jurors of Kings County Stricken While Sitting With His Family — Aide of John H. McCooey — District Leader Was Fire Commissioner During Both of Hylan's Administrations|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/07/16/94150903.html#94150903.html?pageNumber=14&_suid=14502129870340663104980539541|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 16, 1928|page=19}}</ref> | |- | 11 || John J. Dorman || May 5, 1926 – December 31, 1933 || Jimmy Walker,<br />Joseph V. McKee,<br />John P. O'Brien ||<ref>{{cite news|title=J.J. Dorman Named Fire Commissioner — Brooklyn Man's Selection Is a Surprise in Political Circles — A Victory For McCooey — Choice Is Seen as a Harmony Move Inspired by Coming Elections — Salary For Job Is $10,000 — T.J. Drennan's Successor Is Head of Kings County Democratic Committee|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1926/05/06/100074202.html?pageNumber=27|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 6, 1926|page=27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=John Dorman Dies; Headed Fire Force — Commissioner Under Walker "Was Chairman of the Kings Democratic Committee|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/06/22/84407926.html#84407926.html?pageNumber=21&_suid=145021272096508349516673191716|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 22, 1953|page=21}}</ref> | |- | — || Francis S. Giacome || January 1, 1934 – January 18, 1934 (acting) || rowspan=5| Fiorello H. La Guardia || Acting New York City Fire Commissioner.<ref>{{cite news|title=LaGuardia Moves To Clean Up City; Starts Hunt For Graft In Bureaus; Tammany Organizes The Alderman — Mayor Swears In Aides — Tells Each to Remove 'Every One' if Needed to Get Efficiency — Pledges Them Free Hand — Politicians No Longer Will Interfere With Prisons or Relief, He Says — First Day is Strenuous — New Executive Leaves Home at 8:28 A.M., Does Not Quit City Hall Till 6:30|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/01/02/95023335.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 1, 1934|page=1}}</ref> | |- | 12 || John J. McElligott || January 18, 1934 – February 23, 1940 || Resigned during a corruption scandal before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=LaGuardia Fills 3 Cabinet Posts — Moses Heads Park, McElligott Fire Department and Moss License Bureau. 3 Deputies Appointed — Hatch Gets Dock Job, Dr. Shipley Hospital Office — Mrs. R.L. Whitney Is License Aide|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/01/19/95027707.html?pageNumber=2|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 19, 1934|page=2}}</ref> | |- | 13 || Elmer Mustard || February 23, 1940 – February 26, 1940 (acting) || Acting New York City Fire Commissioner during a corruption scandal.<ref>{{cite news|title=M'Elligott, 8 Aides Quit For Pensions; Fought By Mayor — Inquiry Is Ordered — Mustard Named Acting Fire Head in Move to Void Retirements — Mayor Acts by Radio — Out of the City, He Instructs Morris — Firemen Sought Benefits Under Old Law|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/02/24/92889642.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 24, 1940|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Elmer Mustard Is Stricken Here — He Held Post of Acting Fire Commissioner for Four Days After McElligott Resigned — Voided Recent Pensions — Mayor Holds Deputy Who Had Served Department 39 Years 'Died in the Line of Duty|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/03/02/92892635.html?pageNumber=16|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 2, 1940|page=13}}</ref> | |- | — || John J. McElligott || February 26, 1940 – May 8, 1941 || Second non-consecutive term. Resigned during a corruption scandal before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mustard Cancels Retirement Order — McElligott and Six Officers of the Fire Department Are Affected by New Move — Due To Be On Duty Today — Deputy Chief Heffernan Says 'I'm Retired, and I'll Stay Retired' — Defies Mayor|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/02/27/107126205.html?pageNumber=23|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 27, 1940|page=27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=John J. M'Elligott Dies In Hospital, 64; Fire Department Veteran Was First to Be Commissioner and Chief at One Time — In Former Post 7 Years — Ousted by La Guardia in 1941, He Then Joined Todd Corp. — Won Many Citations|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/09/07/84637750.html#84637750.html?pageNumber=15&_suid=145021144474106928378925314615|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 7, 1946|page=15}}</ref> | |- | 14 || Patrick Walsh || May 8, 1941 – December 31, 1945 ||<ref>{{cite news|title=M'elligott Ousted With Chief Deputy Over Graft Trials — Walsh Gets Post — Acting Chief Promoted — He Will Take Over Duties Tomorrow — Mayor Sees 'Whitewash' — Calls McKenna Lax in Petty Racket Case, Holds Superior Liable but Voices Regret|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1941/05/09/85490529.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 9, 1941|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=P.J. Walsh Is Dead; Former Fire Chief — Successor to McElligott Served Also as Commissioner — 44 Years in Department |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1946/09/22/113137426.html#113137426.html?pageNumber=62&_suid=145020917534807207394282507677|access-date= March 25, 2010|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 22, 1946|page=62}}</ref> | |- | 15 || Frank J. Quayle Jr. || January 1, 1946 – November 13, 1950 || William O'Dwyer,<br />Vincent R. Impellitteri || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=O'Dwyer Names 18 As Aides, Warning: 'Make Good Or Go — Gives His Commissioners and Bureau Heads 3 Months to Meet 'Team' Requirements — Sees Grave Tasks Ahead — Financial, Housing, School and Transit Problems Among the Most Urgent, He Declares|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1945/12/31/95795701.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 31, 1945|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Frank J. Quayle is Dead at 79; Fire Commissioner in the '40s — Democratic Leader Had Also Been Sheriff of Kings and Brooklyn Postmaster|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1971/06/23/81951673.html#81951673.html?pageNumber=48&_suid=145021021689103262216871810435|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 23, 1971|page=48}}</ref> | |- | — || Nathan C. Horwitz || November 13, 1950 – December 27, 1950 (acting) || rowspan=4| Vincent R. Impellitteri || Acting New York City Fire Commissioner.<ref>{{cite news|title=Quayle Resigns as Fire Head On Eve of Mayor's Inaugural — H.J. Rosen, Aide in Pecora Campaign, Gives Up His $7,850 City Post|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/11/14/113172269.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 19, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 14, 1951|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New Fire Head To Speak — Monaghan to Go on Air After Being Sworn Commissioner|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/12/27/89763292.html?pageNumber=19|access-date=December 19, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 27, 1950|page=19}}</ref> | |- | 16 || George P. Monaghan || December 27, 1950 – July 9, 1951 || Resigned to become New York City Police Commissioner.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Crowell|first1=Paul|title=Hogan Aide Named Fire Commissioner — Appointing Monaghan, Mayor Minimizes Significance of His Being a Prosecutor|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/12/07/91122289.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 7, 1950|page=1}}</ref><ref name=MH>{{cite news|title=Monaghan Sworn As Head Of Police — Promotion of 9 to Lieutenants His Last Act in Retiring as Fire Commissioner|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1951/07/10/89802647.html?pageNumber=23|access-date=December 19, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 10, 1951|page=23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Saxon|first1=Wolfgang|title=George Monaghan, 85, Dead Ex-Harness Racing Official|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/07/obituaries/george-monaghan-85-dead-ex-harness-racing-official.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 7, 1986|page=42}}</ref> | |- | – || Nathan C. Horwitz || July 9, 1951 – August 2, 1951 (acting) || This was his second non-consecutive term as Acting New York City Fire Commissioner.<ref name=MH /><ref name=HG>{{cite news|title=Grumet New City Fire Head — Long Aide of Dewey, Hogan Republican to Take $15,000 Post Aug. 2 — Mayor Says Choice Was His Own|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1951/07/19/84681716.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 19, 1951|page=1}}</ref> | |- | 17 || Jacob B. Grumet || August 2, 1951 – February 15, 1954 ||<ref name=HG /><ref>{{cite news|title=Grumet Quits, Urges No Firehouse Cuts|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/02/15/84610738.html?action=click&contentCollection=Archives&module=ArticleEndCTA®ion=ArchiveBody&pgtype=article&pageNumber=15|access-date=November 15, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 15, 1954|page=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Cook|first1=Joan|title=Jacob Grumet, Former Judge and Chairman of S.I.C., Dies|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/09/obituaries/jacob-grumet-former-judge-and-chairman-of-sic-dies.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 9, 1987|page=D34}}</ref> | |- | 18 || Edward Francis Cavanagh Jr. || February 15, 1954 – December 31, 1961 || rowspan=3 | Robert F. Wagner Jr. ||<ref>{{cite news|title=New Fire And Marine Commissioners Sworn In — 3 Agencies Of City Shuffle Officials — Cavanagh and O'Connor Are Sworn In — Gillroy Gets a New Housing Deputy|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/02/16/83746965.html?pageNumber=26|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 16, 1954|page=26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pace|first1=Eric|title=Edward Cavanagh Jr. Dies; Former Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/19/obituaries/edward-cavanagh-jr-dies-former-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 19, 1986|page=B9}}</ref> | |- | 19 || Edward Thompson || January 1, 1962 – August 6, 1964 || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Crowell|first1=Paul|title=Judge Is Chosen As City Fire Head — Thompson of Queens Named — Wiley's Job Offered to Baltimore's Traffic Chief|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/12/28/119434391.html?pageNumber=1|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 28, 1961|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Saxon|first1=Wolfgang|title=Edward Thompson, 82, Judge And Former Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/09/obituaries/edward-thompson-82-judge-and-former-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 9, 1995|page=D20}}</ref> | |- | 20 || Martin Scott || August 6, 1964 – December 31, 1965 ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bennett|first1=Charles G.|title=Chief Fire Marshal Is Named City's New Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/06/chief-fire-marshal-is-named-citys-new-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 6, 1964|page=31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=McNeil Jr.|first1=Donald G.|title=Martin Scott Dead; Headed Fire Dept. — Was Commissioner Under Wagner and Chief Marshal For Decade|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1979/02/12/120973614.html#120973614.html?pageNumber=30&_suid=1450209933695005812971048280041|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 12, 1979|page=B12}}</ref> | |- | 21 || Robert Oliver Lowery || January 1, 1966 – September 29, 1973 || John Lindsay || First African-American New York City Fire Commissioner, resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jobs To Be Goal Of Youth Board — Pragmatism Called Answer to Juvenile Delinquency|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1965/12/25/96727164.html?pageNumber=16|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 25, 1965|page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Douglas|title=Robert Lowery, First Black Fire Commissioner, Dies at 85|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/27/nyregion/robert-lowery-first-black-fire-commissioner-dies-at-85.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 27, 2001|page=C13}}</ref> | |- | 22 || John T. O'Hagan || October 11, 1973 – January 17, 1978 || John Lindsay,<br />Abraham Beame ||<ref>{{cite news|title=O'Hagan Now Fire Commissioner|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1973/10/12/91007962.html?pageNumber=47|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 12, 1973|page=47}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=James|first1=George|title=John T. O'Hagan, 65, Fire Chief And Fire Commissioner in the 70's|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/03/obituaries/john-t-o-hagan-65-fire-chief-and-fire-commissioner-in-the-70-s.html|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=The New New York Times|date=January 3, 1991|page=B6}}</ref> | |- | 23 || Augustus A. Beekman || January 17, 1978 – November 5, 1980 || rowspan=4 | Ed Koch ||Second African-American New York City Fire Commissioner, resigned before completing his term because of illness preceding his death.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ranzal|first1=Edward|title=Koch Picks Fire Chief To Be Commissioner — Augustus Beekman Will Be Second Black to Hold Post As the Head of Oldest U.S. Firefighting Force|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1978/01/18/110770862.html?pageNumber=5|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 18, 1978|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lemire|first1=Jonathan|title=Gus Beekman, second African-American comissioner [sic] of FDNY, dead at 85|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/gus-beekman-african-american-comissioner-fdny-dead-85-article-1.353461|access-date=December 15, 2015|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=December 3, 2008}}</ref> | |- | 24 || Charles J. Hynes || November 5, 1980 – October 22, 1982 || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Maitland|first1=Leslie|title=Fire Commissioner Beekman Ousted; Hynes Gets Post|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1980/11/06/112169462.html?pageNumber=37|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 6, 1980|page=B1}}</ref> | |- | 25 || Joseph E. Spinnato || October 22, 1982 – February 17, 1983 (interim)<br/>February 17, 1983 – November 16, 1987 || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Haberman|first1=Clyde|last2=Johnston|first2=Laurie|title=New York Day By Day|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/19/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-231395.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 19, 1982|page=B3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Goodwin|first1=Michael|title=Koch Appoints Spinnato City Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/18/nyregion/koch-appoints-spinnato-city-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 10, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 18, 1983|page=B3}}</ref> | |- | 26 || Joseph F. Bruno || November 16, 1987 – December 31, 1989 ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kolbert|first1=Elizabeth|title=Parking Chief Named to Head Fire Department|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/21/nyregion/parking-chief-named-to-head-fire-department.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 21, 1987|page=B3}}</ref> | |- | 27 || Carlos M. Rivera || January 1, 1990 – August 31, 1993 || rowspan=2 | David Dinkins || Resigned before completing his term.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lubasch|first1=Arnold H.|title=Veteran Firefighter Moves Up to Become Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/23/nyregion/veteran-firefighter-moves-up-to-become-commissioner.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 23, 1989|page=35}}</ref> | |- | 28 || William M. Feehan || August 31, 1993 – November 24, 1993 (acting)<br />November 24, 1993 – December 31, 1993 || Acting New York City Fire Commissioner, then promoted to New York City Fire Commissioner. Died in the September 11 attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dinkins Appoints Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/25/nyregion/dinkins-appoints-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 25, 1993|page=B2}}</ref> | |- | 29 || Howard Safir || January 1, 1994 – April 15, 1996 || rowspan=2 | Rudy Giuliani || Resigned to become the 39th New York City Police Commissioner.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Myers|first1=Steven Lee|title=Reporter's Notebook; New Team Cleans Up Cleanup Plans|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/31/nyregion/reporter-s-notebook-new-team-cleans-up-cleanup-plans.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 31, 1993|page=B3}}</ref> | |- | 30 || Thomas Von Essen || April 15, 1996 – December 31, 2001 ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kennedy|first1=Randy|title=Union Head Named New York's New Fire Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/30/nyregion/union-head-named-new-york-s-new-fire-commissioner.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 30, 1996|page=25}}</ref> | |- | 31 || Nicholas Scoppetta || January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2009 || Michael Bloomberg ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Michael|title=Bloomberg Chooses Head Of Fire Dept.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/31/nyregion/bloomberg-chooses-head-of-fire-dept.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 31, 2001|page=F1}}</ref> | |- | 32 || Salvatore Cassano || January 1, 2010 – June 7, 2014 || Michael Bloomberg,<br />Bill de Blasio || Replaced by Bill De Blasio with Daniel A. Nigro <ref>{{cite news|last1=Schmidt|first1=Michael|title=40-Year Veteran Chosen to Lead the Fire Dept.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/nyregion/22commish.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 22, 2009 |page=A33}}</ref> | |- | 33 || Daniel A. Nigro || June 7, 2014 – February 16, 2022 || Bill de Blasio,<br />Eric Adams ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schwirtz|first1=Michael|last2=Rashbaum|first2=William K.|title=Key Figure in Fire Department After 9/11 Is to Return as Commissioner|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/09/nyregion/key-figure-in-fire-department-after-9-11-is-to-return-as-commissioner.html|access-date=December 13, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 9, 2014 |page=A24}}</ref> | |- | 34 || Laura Kavanagh || February 16, 2022 – October 27, 2022 (interim)<br />October 27, 2022 – August 7, 2024 || rowspan="4" | Eric Adams ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=McCowan|first1=Candace|title=End of an era: Commissioner Dan Nigro retires after half century with FDNY|url=https://abc7ny.com/dan-nigro-fdny-commissioner-daniel/11569770/|access-date=February 16, 2022|newspaper=ABC.com|date=February 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name=LK1>{{cite news |first1=Chelsia Rose |last1=Marcius |first2=Emma G. |last2=Fitzsimmons |first3=Dana |last3=Rubinstein |title=New York Fire Department to Be Led by Woman for First Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/26/nyregion/new-york-fire-department-laura-kavanagh.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 28, 2022 |page=A23 |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Maia |last1=Coleman |first2=Chelsia Rose |last2=Marcius |first3=Hurubie |last3=Meko |title=Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to Step Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/13/nyregion/fdny-commissioner-laura-kavanagh-resign.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 15, 2024 |page=A10 |access-date=August 11, 2024}}</ref> | |- | — || Joseph W. Pfeifer || August 7, 2024 – August 12, 2024<br />(acting) ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Joseph Pfeifer named acting FDNY commissioner |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/joseph-pfeifer-named-acting-fdny-commissioner/ |work=cbsnews.com |date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024}}</ref> | |- | 35 || Robert Tucker || August 12, 2024 – December 19, 2025 || Following Zohran Mamdani's victory in the mayoral race, on November 5, 2025 Tucker announced his resignation, effective December 19.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Silverman |first1=Hollie |title=FDNY Commissioner Quits After Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Election |url=https://www.newsweek.com/new-york-fire-chief-quits-after-zohran-mamdani-wins-10999089 |website=Newsweek |language=en |date=5 November 2025 |access-date=November 24, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| first=Hurubie |last=Meko |title=Mayor Adams Names Robert Tucker as New Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/nyregion/eric-adams-robert-tucker-fire-commissioner.html |newspaper=The New York Times |orig-date=August 11, 2024 |date=August 13, 2024 |page=A15 |access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref> |- | 36 || Mark Guerra || December 19, 2025 – December 23, 2025 (acting)<br />December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026|| <ref name=jcm>{{cite news|first=Jeffrey C. |last=Mays |title=Mamdani Named His Fire Commissioner. Then Adams Did Too. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/nyregion/nyc-fire-commissioner-bonsignore-mamdani.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 25, 2025 |page=A17 |access-date=December 25, 2025}}</ref> | |- | 37 || Lillian Bonsignore || January 6, 2026 – present || Zohran Mamdani || <ref name=jcm/><ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor Mamdani Swears In Lillian Bonsignore as Fire Commissioner |url=https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/news/01-26/mayor-mamdani-swears-lillian-bonsignore-fire-commissioner#/0 |website=nyc.gov |date=January 6, 2026 |access-date=January 6, 2026}}</ref> | |}
{{commonscat|Commissioners of the New York City Fire Department}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|New York City}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060046/http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/general/commish.shtml Fire Commissioner City Of New York] {{New York City Fire Commissioner|state=expanded}} {{New York City Fire Department}} {{New York City Government}}
Category:Government of New York City Category:Commissioners of the New York City Fire Department