NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro is calling it a career after over five decades climbing the ranks within the department.
Nigro, 73, announced his retirement Friday, effective Feb. 16. He called his time as fire commissioner “the honor of a lifetime.”
“Since the day I raised my right hand 53 years ago and followed my father into the greatest fire department in the world, I have been blessed, privileged, and truly honored to serve the people of our great city,” Nigro said. “On days of triumphant rescues and during times of unimaginable loss, the members of the FDNY — our firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and civilian staff — have always answered the call.”
The Queens native is the fourth-longest serving FDNY fire commissioner in the department’s history, after being appointed in June 2014. He was among just six people to hold every rank in the department.
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Fire officials hailed Nigro for his work during the pandemic, and executing a recruitment campaign that meant the “most diverse group of applicants in FDNY history."
Nigro was first appointed a firefighter on Nov. 29, 1969, and his first assignment was to Engine Company 21 in Manhattan. He served as a lieutenant at Engine Company 35 in East Harlem, captain at Engine Company 8 in Manhattan and battallion chief in the Bronx.
He’s served as chief of personnel and chief of the Bureau of Health Services, and became deputy chief in 1993, then deputy assistant chief a year later, where officials said he was among the leaders in merging EMS of NYC Health + Hospitals into the FDNY.
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Nigro was appointed chief of department after 9/11, following the death of Chief Peter Ganci Jr. That meant Nigro led rescue operations at Ground Zero. He retired in 2002, but returned in 2014 as fire commissioner.
Among those who honored Nigro’s storied career Friday was Mayor Eric Adams, who said in a statement, “Dan and I have had an amazing relationship over our long careers in public service. He’s a tireless champion for New Yorkers, and a friend who I’ve leaned on time and again.”
“From overseeing the heroic 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts to leading the FDNY’s unwavering response during the pandemic, Dan has worked tirelessly to protect all New Yorkers,” Adams continued. “New Yorkers, whether they know it or not, are all safer because of the work he’s done and owe him their thanks.”
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