FDNY Commissioner
Encyclopedia
The New York City Fire Commissioner is the civilian administrator of the New York City Fire Department
(FDNY), appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York
. There have been 32 commissioners since Manhattan
and the Bronx consolidated with Brooklyn
, Queens
, and Staten Island
to form The City of New York
in 1898. The current Fire Commissioner is Salvatore Cassano
, who has held the office since January 1, 2010.
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
(FDNY), appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York
Mayor of New York City
The Mayor of the City of New York is head of the executive branch of New York City's government. The mayor's office administers all city services, public property, police and fire protection, most public agencies, and enforces all city and state laws within New York City.The budget overseen by the...
. There have been 32 commissioners since Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
and the Bronx consolidated with Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, Queens
Queens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
, and Staten Island
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
to form The City of New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in 1898. The current Fire Commissioner is Salvatore Cassano
Salvatore Cassano
Salvatore Joseph "Sal" Cassano is the New York City Fire Commissioner. His appointment by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to succeed Nicholas Scoppetta was announced on 21 December 2009 and became effective on 1 January 2010...
, who has held the office since January 1, 2010.
Name | Dates in Office | Administration |
---|---|---|
Richard Croker Richard Croker Richard Croker, Sr. was an American politician, a leader of New York City's Tammany Hall.-Biography:... |
1883–1887 | |
S. Howland Robbins | ?–1893 | Hugh J. Grant |
John Jay Scannell and Henry Winthrop Gray | 1893–1898 | Thomas F. Gilroy Thomas F. Gilroy Thomas Francis Gilroy , born in Ireland, was mayor of New York 1893-94 and Commissioner of Public works 1889-93. He was also a member of Tammany Hall. He had a daughter, Frances E. Gilroy, who married Edward A. Maher, Jr... |
Name | Dates in Office | Administration |
---|---|---|
John Jay Scannell | January 1, 1898 – December 31, 1901 | Robert Anderson Van Wyck Robert Anderson Van Wyck Robert Anderson Van Wyck, was the first mayor of New York City after the consolidation of the five boroughs into the City of New York in 1898.-Biography:... |
Thomas Sturgis Thomas Sturgis Thomas Sturgis was appointed the 2nd Fire Commissioner of the consolidated City of New York by Mayor Seth Low on January 1, 1902 and served in that position until the end of the Low Administration on December 31, 1903. Prior to this, he also served as a fire commissioner under William Lafayette... |
January 1, 1902 – December 31, 1903 | Seth Low Seth Low Seth Low , born in Brooklyn, New York, was an American educator and political figure who served as mayor of Brooklyn, as President of Columbia University, as diplomatic representative of the United States, and as Mayor of New York City... |
Nicholas J. Hayes Nicholas J. Hayes Nicholas J. Hayes was appointed the 3rd Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on January 1, 1904 and served in that position until his resignation on December 31, 1905. After the death of Fire Commissioner Hugh Bonner on March 13, 1908, Mayor McClellan... |
January 1, 1904 – December 31, 1905 | George Brinton McClellan, Jr. |
John H. O'Brien John H. O'Brien John H. O'Brien was appointed the 4th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on January 1, 1906 and served in that position until his resignation on October 10, 1906.... |
January 1, 1906 – October 10, 1906 | George Brinton McClellan, Jr. |
Francis J. Lantry Francis J. Lantry Francis J. Lantry was appointed the 5th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on October 10, 1906 and served in that position until he resigned on February 10, 1908.-References:... |
October 10, 1906 – February 10, 1908 | George Brinton McClellan, Jr. |
Hugh Bonner Hugh Bonner -Biography:He was born in Ireland in 1840, and he was appointed the 6th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on February 10, 1908 and served in that position for a little more than a month, until his death on March 13, 1908.... |
February 10, 1908 – March 13, 1908 | George Brinton McClellan, Jr. |
Nicholas J. Hayes Nicholas J. Hayes Nicholas J. Hayes was appointed the 3rd Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on January 1, 1904 and served in that position until his resignation on December 31, 1905. After the death of Fire Commissioner Hugh Bonner on March 13, 1908, Mayor McClellan... |
March 13, 1908 – January 3, 1910 | George Brinton McClellan, Jr. |
Rhinelander Waldo Rhinelander Waldo Rhinelander Waldo was appointed the 7th New York City Fire Commissioner by Mayor William Jay Gaynor on January 13, 1910. He resigned on May 23, 1911, less than two months after the deadly Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire to accept an appointment as the 8th New York City Police Commissioner... |
January 3, 1910 – May 23, 1911 | William Jay Gaynor William Jay Gaynor William Jay Gaynor was an American politician from New York City, associated with the Tammany Hall political machine. He served as mayor of the City of New York from 1910 to 1913, as well as stints as a New York Supreme Court Justice from 1893 to 1909.-Early life:Gaynor was born in Oriskany, New... |
Joseph Johnson Joseph Johnson (FDNY Commissioner) Joseph Johnson, Jr. was New York City Fire Commissioner, Chief of the New York City Transit Authority and the New York Public Service Commission as well as deputy New York City Comptroller in New York City.-Biography:... |
June 1, 1911 – December 31, 1913 | William Jay Gaynor William Jay Gaynor William Jay Gaynor was an American politician from New York City, associated with the Tammany Hall political machine. He served as mayor of the City of New York from 1910 to 1913, as well as stints as a New York Supreme Court Justice from 1893 to 1909.-Early life:Gaynor was born in Oriskany, New... / Ardolph Loges Kline Ardolph Loges Kline Ardolph Loges Kline , was a senior officer of the New York National Guard and a Republican politician who became acting Mayor of New York City on September 10, 1913 upon the death of Mayor William Jay Gaynor, serving for the rest of the year... |
Robert Adamson Robert Adamson (FDNY Commissioner) Robert Edward Adamson was an American journalist and public official.-Biography:Adamson was born on March 31, 1871 in Georgia to Augustus Pitt Adamson and Martilla Ellen Cook. He began writing articles for the Macon, Georgia newspaper while still in his teens. At age 20, he became city editor of... |
January 1, 1914 – December 31, 1917 | John Purroy Mitchel John Purroy Mitchel John Purroy Mitchel was the mayor of New York from 1914 to 1917. At age 34 he was the second-youngest ever; he is sometimes referred to as "The Boy Mayor of New York." Mayor Mitchel is remembered for his short career as leader of Reform politics in New York, as well as for his early death as an... |
Thomas J. Drennan Thomas J. Drennan Thomas J. Drennan was appointed the 10th New York City Fire Commissioner by Mayor John F. Hylan.-Biography:He was appointed the 10th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor John F. Hylan on January 1, 1918, and resigned his position on April 30, 1926. He died on July 15, 1928 of a heart... |
January 1, 1918 – April 30, 1926 | John Francis Hylan |
John J. Dorman John J. Dorman John J. Dorman was appointed the 11th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor James J. Walker on May 5, 1926, and resigned his position on December 31, 1933... |
May 5, 1926 – December 31, 1933 | Jimmy Walker Jimmy Walker James John Walker, often known as Jimmy Walker and colloquially as Beau James , was the mayor of New York City from 1926 to 1932... / Joseph V. McKee Joseph V. McKee Joseph V. McKee, Sr. was originally a teacher at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York, but later became a politically active Democrat and briefly served as the Mayor of New York City.-Biography:... / John P. O'Brien John P. O'Brien John Patrick O'Brien was an Irish-American politician who served as the Mayor of New York City from January 1 to December 31, 1933.-Biography:He was born on February 1, 1873 to Mary and Patrick O'Brien.... |
John J. McElligott John J. McElligott John James McElligott was appointed the 12th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia on January 1, 1934.-Biography:... |
January 1, 1934 – February 23, 1940 | Fiorello H. La Guardia |
Elmer Mustard Elmer Mustard Elmer Mustard was appointed the 13th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia on February 23, 1940 due to the sudden retirement of Fire Commissioner John J. McElligott under questionable circumstances.... |
February 23, 1940 – February 26, 1940 | Fiorello H. La Guardia |
John J. McElligott John J. McElligott John James McElligott was appointed the 12th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia on January 1, 1934.-Biography:... |
February 26, 1940 – May 8, 1941 | Fiorello H. La Guardia |
Patrick Walsh Patrick Walsh (FDNY Commissioner) Patrick J. Walsh was appointed Acting Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia on May 8, 1941, and was subsequently appointed the 14th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor LaGuardia two days later. He served in that position until the end of the... |
May 8, 1941 – December 31, 1945 | Fiorello H. La Guardia |
Frank J. Quayle, Jr. | January 1, 1946 – December 1, 1950 | William O'Dwyer William O'Dwyer William O'Dwyer was the 100th Mayor of New York City, holding that office from 1946 to 1950.-Biography:O'Dwyer was born in County Mayo, Ireland and migrated to the United States in 1910, after abandoning studies for the priesthood... |
George P. Monaghan George P. Monaghan -Biography:He was an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. Among the cases in which he appeared for the prosecution was the trial of John M. Dunn for the murder of Andy Hintz... |
December 6, 1950 – July 18, 1951 | Vincent R. Impellitteri Vincent R. Impellitteri Vincent Richard Impellitteri was an American politician, who served as the 101st Mayor of New York City.-Biography:He was born in Isnello, Sicily, and moved with his family to the United States as an infant in 1901... |
Jacob B. Grumet Jacob Grumet Jacob B. Grumet was an American lawyer and judge. He was chairman of the New York State Commission of Investigation.-Biography:... |
July 18, 1951 – December 31, 1953 | Vincent R. Impellitteri Vincent R. Impellitteri Vincent Richard Impellitteri was an American politician, who served as the 101st Mayor of New York City.-Biography:He was born in Isnello, Sicily, and moved with his family to the United States as an infant in 1901... |
Edward F. Cavanagh Jr. Edward F. Cavanagh Jr. Edward F. Cavanagh Jr. was appointed the 18th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Robert F. Wagner on January 1, 1954 and served in that position until his resignation on December 31, 1961. He died in 1986 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey.-References:... |
January 1, 1954 – December 31, 1961 | Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert Ferdinand Wagner II, usually known as Robert F. Wagner, Jr. served three terms as the mayor of New York City, from 1954 through 1965.-Biography:... |
Edward Thompson Edward Thompson (FDNY Commissioner) Edward Thompson was appointed the 19th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Robert F. Wagner on January 1, 1962 and served in that position until his resignation on August 6, 1964... |
January 1, 1962 – August 6, 1964 | Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert Ferdinand Wagner II, usually known as Robert F. Wagner, Jr. served three terms as the mayor of New York City, from 1954 through 1965.-Biography:... |
Martin Scott Martin Scott (FDNY Commissioner) Martin Richard Scott was appointed the 20th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Robert F. Wagner on August 6, 1964 and served in that position until the end of the Wagner Administration on December 31, 1965... |
August 6, 1964 – December 31, 1965 | Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert Ferdinand Wagner II, usually known as Robert F. Wagner, Jr. served three terms as the mayor of New York City, from 1954 through 1965.-Biography:... |
Robert O. Lowery Robert O. Lowery Robert Oliver Lowery was sworn in as the 21st Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor John V. Lindsay on January 1, 1966 and served in that position until his resignation on September 29, 1973.-Biography:... |
January 1, 1966 – September 29, 1973 | John Lindsay John Lindsay John Vliet Lindsay was an American politician, lawyer and broadcaster who was a U.S. Congressman, Mayor of New York City, candidate for U.S... |
John T. O'Hagan John T. O'Hagan John T. O'Hagan was appointed the 22nd Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor John V. Lindsay on October 11, 1973 and served in that position throughout the Administration of Mayor Abraham D. Beame until he was replaced by incoming Mayor Edward I... |
October 11, 1973 – January 17, 1978 | Abraham Beame Abraham Beame Abraham David "Abe" Beame was mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977. As such, he presided over the city during the fiscal crisis of the mid-1970s, during which the city was almost forced to declare bankruptcy.... |
Augustus A. Beekman Augustus A. Beekman Augustus Anthony Beekman was the 23rd New York City Fire Commissioner.-Biography:He was born on March 28, 1923 at Harlem Hospital in New York City and grew up in the Catholic-Church-run orphanage, Little Flower Home, in Wading River, New York. and was appointed the 23rd Fire Commissioner of the... |
January 17, 1978 – November 5, 1980 | Ed Koch Ed Koch Edward Irving "Ed" Koch is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989... |
Charles J. Hynes Charles J. Hynes Charles Joseph Hynes is the current district attorney of Kings County, New York . A Democrat, Hynes was first elected to office in 1989 and is currently serving a fifth term.-Life and career:... |
November 5, 1980 – October 22, 1982 | Ed Koch Ed Koch Edward Irving "Ed" Koch is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989... |
Joseph E. Spinnato Joseph E. Spinnato Joseph E. Spinnato was appointed Acting Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Edward I. Koch on October 22, 1982 upon the resignation of Fire Commissioner Charles J. Hynes, and was appointed the 25th Fire Commissioner on February 17, 1983. He served in that position until his... |
October 22, 1982 – October 20, 1987 | Ed Koch Ed Koch Edward Irving "Ed" Koch is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989... |
Joseph F. Bruno Joseph F. Bruno Joseph F. Bruno is a public official in New York City who has served as a lawyer, Fire Commissioner, New York City Civil Court Judge and New York State Supreme Court Judge. He currently serves as Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management.... |
October 20, 1987 – December 31, 1989 | Ed Koch Ed Koch Edward Irving "Ed" Koch is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989... |
Carlos M. Rivera Carlos M. Rivera Carlos M. Rivera was appointed the 27th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor David N. Dinkins on January 1, 1990 and served in that position until his resignation on August 31, 1993.- References :... |
January 1, 1990 – August 31, 1993 | David Dinkins David Dinkins David Norman Dinkins is a former politician from New York City. He was the Mayor of New York City from 1990 through 1993; he was the first and is, to date, the only African American to hold that office.-Early life:... |
William M. Feehan William M. Feehan William M. Feehan was a member of the Fire Department of New York who died during the collapse of the World Trade Center. Feehan held every rank within the department, starting with Probationary Firefighter upon his appointment on October 10, 1959. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1964 and... |
August 31, 1993 – December 31, 1993 | David Dinkins David Dinkins David Norman Dinkins is a former politician from New York City. He was the Mayor of New York City from 1990 through 1993; he was the first and is, to date, the only African American to hold that office.-Early life:... |
Howard Safir Howard Safir Howard Safir was New York City Fire Commissioner from 1994 to 1996 and New York City Police Commissioner from 1996 to 2000.Safir was appointed New York City's 29th Fire Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Rudolph W... |
January 1, 1994 – April 15, 1996 | Rudy Giuliani Rudy Giuliani Rudolph William Louis "Rudy" Giuliani KBE is an American lawyer, businessman, and politician from New York. He served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001.... |
Thomas Von Essen Thomas Von Essen Thomas Von Essen was appointed the 30th FDNY Commissioner of the City of New York by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani on April 15, 1996 and served in that position until the end of the Giuliani Administration on December 31, 2001, nearly four months after the September 11, 2001 attacks.In 2002 he was... |
April 15, 1996 – December 31, 2001 | Rudy Giuliani Rudy Giuliani Rudolph William Louis "Rudy" Giuliani KBE is an American lawyer, businessman, and politician from New York. He served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001.... |
Nicholas Scoppetta Nicholas Scoppetta Nicholas Scoppetta served as the 31st Fire Commissioner of the City of New York. He was appointed to that position by Mayor Michael R... |
January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2009 | Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States... |
Salvatore Cassano Salvatore Cassano Salvatore Joseph "Sal" Cassano is the New York City Fire Commissioner. His appointment by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to succeed Nicholas Scoppetta was announced on 21 December 2009 and became effective on 1 January 2010... |
January 1, 2010 – present | Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States... |