On January 6, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Lillian Bonsignore as the new Fire Commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). This significant appointment follows Bonsignore’s impressive 31-year career within the department, where she rose through various ranks to become a prominent leader.
Lillian Bonsignore’s Career Highlights
Commissioner Bonsignore’s career path at the FDNY began in 1991 when she became a New York City EMT. Her early assignments included EMS Station 14 at Lincoln Hospital located in the South Bronx. Over the years, she exhibited exceptional leadership and commitment.
- 1991: Joined FDNY as an EMT.
- 2005: Promoted to Lieutenant, served in the South Bronx.
- 2007: Became a Paramedic.
- 2010: Elevated to Captain, overseeing two EMS stations in Brooklyn.
- 2013: Promoted to Deputy Chief, serving in Queens and the EMS Academy.
- 2016: Appointed Chief of EMS Academy, responsible for training 13,000 EMTs.
- 2019: Became Chief of EMS, first woman to hold a 4-star EMS rank in FDNY history.
Leadership During Crisis
As Chief of EMS, Bonsignore led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging time marked by a record volume of emergency calls. Her leadership during this unprecedented crisis demonstrated her ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
Since retiring from the FDNY in 2022, Bonsignore has contributed to the field as a public speaker and expert consultant in emergency medical services.
Mayor Mamdani’s Endorsement
Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the importance of Bonsignore’s appointment, stating, “I have appointed Lillian Bonsignore to this role for her wealth of experience and vision for how to lead the FDNY.” He acknowledged the difficult times ahead for firefighters and expressed confidence that they would be well-supported under her leadership.
Commitment to Fire Department Excellence
In her acceptance remarks, Bonsignore reflected on her deep commitment to the FDNY. “I am honored to return to the Fire Department as its Commissioner,” she stated. She emphasized her dedication to protecting and empowering firefighters, recognizing their vital role in safeguarding New Yorkers.
Bonsignore’s extensive training includes participation in various leadership programs, such as the Naval Post Graduate School’s Executive Leadership program and courses on combating terrorism and emergency management. She is poised to lead the FDNY with a clear focus on serving its members and the community.
Lillian Bonsignore’s appointment marks a historic moment for the FDNY, symbolizing both a commitment to progress and an unwavering dedication to public service.
