The Community Service Society of New York
12/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/23/2025 14:34
Press Release: Joint Statement By David R. Jones and Laura Kavanagh on Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Choice to Lead FDNY
December 23rd, 2025
Press Release
Joint Statement By David R. Jones and Laura Kavanagh on Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Choice to Lead FDNY
Today, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani selected a long-time emergency medical services leader and veteran of the FDNY to lead the department under his administration. Lillian Bonsignore will be the second woman to run the agency, and the first uniformed woman and first EMS responder to lead the FDNY. At a time when the department still suffers from a culture that wrongly associates opening up opportunities for women and people of color with lowering standards, the Mayor-elect's selection is a bold and affirmative statement to the contrary.
Over her decades-long career, Chief Bonsignore steadily moved up the ranks, first as an EMT, then lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. She responded to the Sept. 11 World Trade Center terror attack, oversaw the training and certification of thousands of EMTs as assistant deputy chief, was on the frontlines during the COVID pandemic, and was a staunch advocate for raising the pay of EMS workers.
The majority of FDNY's workload involves calls to EMS, which disproportionately serves low- and middle-income new Yorkers in the outer boroughs. Appointing a commissioner with deep experience in this work demonstrates a real commitment to serving all New Yorkers.
The brave and dedicated men and women who work in the city's police, fire and emergency services departments should better reflect the city they serve. For too long, the FDNY has resisted change and diversity while tolerating overt sexism and racism. With the selection of Chief Bonsignore, the new mayor is making clear that he wants a commissioner who will bring a forward-thinking, reform-minded agenda to the department. We applaud him.
David R. Jones is President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS); Laura Kavanagh was FDNY Commissioner under Mayor Adams and is a CSS Board Trustee.
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