According to a Fox News report, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has appointed Robert Tucker as the new fire commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
Tucker, the CEO of T&M USA, a major New York-based security firm, replaces Laura Kavanagh, who announced her resignation last month.
Kavanagh's tenure was marked by controversy, particularly after a group of firefighters heckled New York Attorney General Letitia James during a promotion ceremony. The incident led to tensions between Kavanagh and the rank-and-file firefighters.
Laura Kavanagh, who made history as the first female commissioner, stepped down amid controversies, including public backlash at numerous events. These challenges overshadowed her tenure, leading to her resignation last month.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams officiated the swearing-in ceremony at the city’s fire academy, emphasizing the city’s commitment to a smooth leadership transition in one of its most critical departments.
Tucker, who previously served as the CEO of T&M USA and sat on the FDNY Foundation board, brings a diverse background in law enforcement and security, especially concerning high-rise buildings in New York City.
The change in leadership comes after a particularly turbulent period for the FDNY under Kavanagh's administration. Notably, her tenure saw acrimonious events such as being booed during city functions and a legal challenge involving age discrimination accusations by demoted department officials.
Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association, expressed his support for Tucker, emphasizing his longstanding relationship with the department and his deep respect for its members. Ansbro highlighted the positive influence Tucker is expected to bring to the Fire Department.
"Public safety has been my life's work," Tucker declared during his initial address as commissioner. "Being appointed the fire commissioner of the City of New York is the biggest honor of my life."
Despite neither Tucker nor Kavanagh having direct firefighting experience, their significant administrative roles have shaped their perspectives on public safety and department management.
The appointment also follows several high-profile instances that had roiled the former leadership, including a March 2023 incident where attendees heckled Attorney General Letitia James during a promotion ceremony, highlighting a tense relationship between city officials and the fire department’s rank and file at the time.
Letitia James addressed these tensions with resilience:
The events of last Thursday will not diminish my respect for the brave men and women of FDNY. I will be with them now, and I will be with them tomorrow.
James Brosi, an advocate for public services, commented on Tucker's experience, underscoring his potential to address FDNY's complex challenges effectively, thanks to his deep insight gained from his role on the board of the FDNY Foundation and his private sector leadership experience.
Tucker, who was sworn in immediately after the announcement, brings extensive experience in public and private sector security. He has never served as a firefighter but is an expert on security in high-rise buildings and sits on the board of the FDNY Foundation.
The appointment comes after Kavanagh faced criticism for threatening to "hunt" firefighters who booed James. Tucker's appointment has been welcomed by firefighter union leaders, who praised his understanding of the department's needs and his potential to improve efficiency and response times.
