Mamdani Taps Retired EMS Chief To Serve As ‘First Openly Gay’ Fire Commissioner

New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani appointed Lillian Bonsignore on Tuesday to serve as the next Fire Commissioner, hailing her as the first openly gay person to lead the department. Bonsignore, a retired Emergency Medical Services (EMS) chief with over three decades of service, has never worked as a firefighter — a fact that quickly drew scrutiny following the announcement.

Bonsignore, who served 31 years in EMS and helped lead operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledged concerns about her lack of firefighting experience. “I can see how that might be a concern, being fire is the primary word,” she said. “But I have spent thirty years working in this fire department alongside every EMT, paramedic, firefighter, support staff … I know the job, I know what the firefighters need.”

Mayor-Elect Mamdani praised her experience and emphasized her identity in the announcement, saying, “I am proud that Lillian will make history as the first openly gay person to head up the department.”

While Bonsignore expressed gratitude for the recognition, she noted the irony of the emphasis. “It’s kind of odd that the thing I get celebrated for the most – people are always like, ‘Wow, you’re a woman and you’re gay’ – are the two things I put the least work into.”

The announcement came just one hour before outgoing Mayor Eric Adams swore in his own pick, Mark Guerra, a career firefighter with 37 years of experience in the FDNY. “He is a true hero and protector of New Yorkers,” Adams said. Guerra will serve temporarily until Mamdani takes office on January 1.

Bonsignore said her leadership will focus on public education and reducing strain on emergency services. She and Mamdani stressed the importance of teaching New Yorkers when to call 911, noting that many calls to the department could be handled through other resources.

Mamdani defended his choice, highlighting Bonsignore’s deep institutional knowledge and her connection with front-line workers. “One of the things that makes me so excited to have the commissioner is her bringing more than thirty years of experience and her real understanding … of what is required of the incredible New Yorkers who do this work each and every day.”

Bonsignore will officially assume her role as commissioner when Mamdani takes office on January 1.