New York City’s new mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, will announce a significant appointment on Tuesday: Lillian Bonsignore as the commissioner of the Fire Department. Bonsignore will not only be the second woman in this role, but also the first uniformed female commissioner in the department’s history.
Bonsignore has deep roots in emergency medical services. She led the EMS bureau during the challenging months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the demand for EMTS skyrocketed. Mamdani praised her leadership, saying, “Her calm and decisive actions during the pandemic showed the type of leadership our city needs during uncertain times.”
One of Bonsignore’s main challenges will be addressing the pay issues facing EMTs. Many in the field have been vocal about their desire for salaries comparable to police and firefighters. Bonsignore, stepping out of retirement for this role, is well aware of this ongoing issue.
Born in the Bronx, Bonsignore became an EMT in 1991 as a single mother. She played a crucial role during the 9/11 attacks, directing teams from Fort Totten to the World Trade Center. Over the years, she gained authority, becoming a lieutenant, captain, and later a deputy chief.
The relationship between EMS and FDNY hasn’t always been smooth. Many EMTs have left their positions, partly due to lower salaries compared to other first responders. Research by the Firefighters Association indicates that starting salaries for FDNY EMS workers are less than in many other cities. Former Commissioner Robert Tucker highlighted the urgency of this situation, warning that without significant changes, response times could worsen.
In terms of leadership, Mayor Eric Adams previously appointed Laura Kavanagh as the first woman fire commissioner in 2022. Kavanagh, though not a firefighter or EMT, emphasized the complexities of being a woman in leadership. She has praised Bonsignore as a strong leader who truly understands the department.
Interestingly, Bonsignore herself has commented on her groundbreaking career. In a past interview, she shared, “It’s funny that the things I get celebrated for—being a woman and being gay—are the things I’ve put the least effort into.”
As the city prepares for winter and potential snowstorms, Mayor Mamdani also mentioned he would keep Javier Lojan as interim commissioner of the Department of Sanitation and Zachary Iscol in the same role for Emergency Management.
Overall, Bonsignore’s appointment marks a hopeful shift. As she steps into this critical role, her experience and commitment to advocacy for EMTs could pave the way for much-needed reforms in the department.
