NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — After nearly two years as the head of the New York City Fire Department, Commissioner Laura Kavanagh is stepping down from the position.
"While the decision I have made over the last month has been a hard one, I'm confident that it is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader of the finest Fire Department in the world," Kavanagh said in a statement. "I look forward to spending the next several months assisting the department's transition in leadership, before embarking on my next professional challenge."
Kavanagh, who has spent a decade with the FDNY, was appointed as commissioner by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022, making history as the first woman to lead the department in its 159-year history. She had previously served five years as former FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro's first deputy commissioner.
In a statement acknowledging Kavanagh's contributions to the FDNY—including sweeping improvements to the agency's technology infrastructure, increased funding for members' mental and physical health, an overhaul of how the FDNY recruits and retains members of color and a tripling of the number of women firefighters—City Hall made it clear that the decision was the commissioner's.
"Commissioner Kavanagh has dedicated her life to keeping New Yorkers safe and while we've made it clear that she could have kept this position for as long as she wanted, we respect her decision to take the next step in her career," City Hall said. "We thank her for every minute she has given to running the greatest Fire Department in the world."
Kavanagh has agreed to remain in her position until a replacement has been found and assist in handing over her responsibilities, which cover the department's 17,000 employees, $2 billion annual budget and command of all firefighting and EMS operations
"Nothing changes today. Commissioner Kavanagh still leads New York's Bravest and has agreed to continue to do so until we find an appropriate replacement," City Hall said. "Once that person is found, she or he will have big shoes to fill."
It is unclear who will be on the shortlist to replace Kavanagh, or how long it will take to fill the position, though Kavanagh's statement makes clear she expects the process to take at least several months.
"New York City will always be the love of my life. My dedication to the FDNY has never and will never waver. It has been the honor of a lifetime to devote the last 10 years … to advocating for the men and women of the FDNY," she said.
