Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani reportedly announced Tuesday that he is bringing Lillian Bonsignore out of retirement to serve as the next commissioner of the Fire Department of New York City, a decision he framed as both historic and forward-looking.
Bonsignore will become the first openly gay person to lead the FDNY. While she has never served as a firefighter, she spent 31 years as an Emergency Medical Services provider and held the role of EMS Operations chief during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her decades of experience inside the department.
Bonsignore acknowledged that returning to public service was not an easy choice. “It was a little hard [to come out of retirement], it’s a hard decision,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to it, I’m happy to do it.” She added that she finds it strange that her gender and sexual orientation have drawn more attention than her professional background.
“It’s kind of odd that the thing I get celebrated for the most – people are always like, ‘Wow, you’re a woman and you’re gay’ – are the two things I put the least work into,” Bonsignore said.
Mamdani, however, made a point of highlighting that aspect of her appointment. “I am proud that Lillian will make history as the first openly gay person to head up the department,” he said during the announcement.
The first question directed at both Mamdani and Bonsignore focused on her lack of experience as a firefighter, a concern that has already sparked debate. Bonsignore addressed the issue directly, acknowledging why some might see it as a potential problem.
“I can see how that might be a concern, being fire is the primary word, and there is concern regarding this,” she said. Bonsignore argued that her long career within the department gives her a clear understanding of what firefighters need. “I have spent thirty years working in this fire department alongside every EMT, paramedic, firefighter, support staff, and we’ve all been doing this job with one mission, and that’s to save the lives,” she said. “As far as firefighting experience, I would say I know the job, I know what the firefighters need, and I can translate that to this administration who’s willing to listen.”
Mamdani echoed that defense, praising Bonsignore’s decades of service and familiarity with the department’s culture and demands. He said her experience gives her insight into the challenges faced by first responders across the city.
“One of the things that makes me so excited to have the commissioner is her bringing more than thirty years of experience and her having a real understanding both on the job and in the experience of those she has worked with of what is required of the incredible New Yorkers who do this work each and every day,” Mamdani said.
The timing of the announcement drew attention as well. Mamdani revealed his pick just one hour before outgoing Mayor Eric Adams swore in his own choice for the role. Adams selected Mark Guerra, a career firefighter with 37 years of service, to lead the department in the interim.
“It is my honor to elevate him from first deputy commissioner to Fire Commissioner and oversee New York’s bravest,” Adams said at the time, calling Guerra “a true hero and protector of New Yorkers.”
Guerra will remain in the position until January 1, when Mamdani officially takes office and Bonsignore assumes command of the department.
“I think the public education you’re going to find is going to be a big part of my administration,” she said, a goal Mamdani said he supports as the city prepares for a new chapter at the FDNY.
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