FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore swears in key Department leaders: First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn, Chief of Staff Fabricio Caro

February 4, 2026

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore made two appointments to her executive staff on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, swearing in First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn and Chief of Staff Fabricio Caro at Department headquarters in Brooklyn.

"Today is a day about leadership, trust and responsibility that comes with serving the greatest fire department in the world," Commissioner Bonsignore said. "Both of these leaders represent the very best of public service, professionalism and a commitment to getting things done."

First Deputy Commissioner Flynn, the second highest ranking civilian administrator in the Department, will manage the day-to-day operations and activities of the FDNY across all offices and bureaus.

He joined the FDNY in 2005, beginning his career at Ladder Company 114 in Brooklyn. He worked there until being promoted to fire marshal in 2009. He was later promoted to lieutenant, then supervising fire marshal, before becoming the FDNY's Chief Fire Marshal in April 2021. During his nearly five years overseeing the Department's Bureau of Fire Investigation, Flynn was instrumental in identifying the growing dangers of lithium-ion batteries across New York City and helped shape the FDNY's response to the ever-present hazard.

"Public service has defined my career and reinforced something I have always believed: This work matters. What we do every single day has real impact, and it truly makes New York City safer and stronger," First Deputy Commissioner Flynn said. "Together, we will honor the incredible legacy of this department while facing new challenges head-on with integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to service."

Chief of Staff Caro will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and management for special projects and initiatives. He joined the FDNY in 2012 and has held several executive roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Community Affairs. Since 2024, Caro served as the Executive Director of Public Engagement, overseeing the FDNY's Community Affairs and Youth Workforce portfolio. He managed operations involving engagement with New York City Community Boards, partnerships with community- and faith-based organizations, youth pipeline and workforce development initiatives, and the Department's fire and life safety education outreach efforts.

"The FDNY is more than an agency. It's an institution built on courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to the people of this city," Chief of Staff Caro said. "As Chief of Staff, my commitment is simple and firm-to support our leadership and every member of this Department so they can do their job safely and effectively; to help this Department continue evolving while never losing sight of its core values; and to keep community at the heart of our work, not as a concept, but as a practice."