Lillian Bonsignore

“I am mindful of the history I carry as the first commissioner from the EMS ranks, but I don’t just lead a bureau; I lead the greatest all-hazards emergency response force in the world,” says Lillian Bonsignore, NYC’s 37th fire commissioner—the second woman, and first openly gay person appointed to the role. Since being sworn in on January 6, Bonsignore has set out to build a stronger, more resilient, and more unified FDNY. “Whether it’s a firefighter on a roof, an EMT or paramedic in a cramped hallway, or a civilian analyst at headquarters, every single one of our 17,000 members is a vital link in the chain of survival. To be the one charged with their safety and success is the greatest honor of my life.” Born in the Bronx, Bonsignore became an EMT in 1991 and moved up the ranks of the FDNY to become the first woman appointed chief of EMS. With unwavering courage, she has faced some of the city’s greatest challenges, including the 9/11 attacks, and being deployed on rescue and recovery operations. Over more than three decades, Bonsignore has seen the fire department at its most tested. “From the devastation of 9/11 to the sheer exhaustion of the pandemic, we have faced unimaginable adversity. But we never face it alone. We deal with setbacks by leaning on each other. Resilience isn’t a solo sport; it’s the collective strength of thousands of people refusing to give up on our city or each other.” –MH