Zohran Mamdani brought Lillian Bonsignore out of retirement on Tuesday to serve as the first openly gay commissioner of the Fire Department of New York City. While she has never been a firefighter, she was an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider for 31 years and served as the fire department’s EMS Operations chief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said, “It was a little hard [to come out of retirement], it’s a hard decision, but I’m looking forward to it, I’m happy to do it.” Bonsignore finds it odd that what people celebrate her for the most is being a woman and being gay.
“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,” she said.
Mamdani made sure to highlight Bonsignore’s sexual orientation during his announcement. “I am proud that Lillian will make history as the first openly gay person to head up the department,” he said.
The first question Bonsignore and Mamdani received was about her never having served as a firefighter. “I can see how that might be a concern, being fire is the primary word, and there is concern regarding this,” Bonsignore said. “I have spent thirty years working in this fire department alongside every EMT, paramedic, firefighter, support staff, and we’ve all been doing this job with one mission, and that’s to save the lives… As far as firefighting experience, I would say I know the job, I know what the firefighters need, and I can translate that to this administration who’s willing to listen.”
Mamdani responded, “One of the things that makes me so excited to have the commissioner is her bringing more than thirty years of experience and her having a real understanding both on the job and in the experience of those she has worked with of what is required of the incredible New Yorkers who do this work each and every day.”
Mamdani’s announcement occurred one hour before outgoing Mayor Eric Adams swore in his own pick for the job. Unlike Mamdani, Adams chose a career firefighter to serve as New York City’s Fire Department commissioner. Adams’ pick, Mark Guerra, “has served the Fire Department of New York City for 37 years as a firefighter and a leader,” said Adams at the time. “It is my honor to elevate him from first deputy commissioner to Fire Commissioner and oversee New York’s bravest. He is a true hero and protector of New Yorkers.”
Guerra will serve the department until January 1, when Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani assumes office and his pick, Bonsignore, assumes the position.
Bonsignore plans to make education a big part of her administration. “I think the public education you’re going to find is going to be a big part of my administration.”
Mamdani and Bonsignore agreed that New Yorkers need to know when to call 911 as the large volume of calls — some of which could be routed through other channels — puts a strain on the system.