08/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2024 11:58
August 14, 2024
Mayor Eric Adams appointed Robert S. Tucker as the 35th FDNY Commissioner on Aug. 12, 2024, at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.
"Public safety has been my life's work. I have had a long career in the public and private sector and being appointed Fire Commissioner of the City of New York is the biggest honor of my life," Commissioner Tucker said after being sworn in. "Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics do the work that most of us only ever read about in comic books. They are heroes, and they embody the best of all of us. My message to the members of the FDNY is simple: While you have New Yorkers' backs, I've got your back. I know the work we will accomplish together will make this department even greater, and we will make this city an even safer place to live, work and raise a family."
Mayor Adams said: "Commissioner Tucker brings decades of experience in protecting public safety to this role, as well as strong personal ties to the FDNY. His very first job as a young man was working at the FDNY communications office in Central Park, and I can't think of anyone who knows this department better."
Commissioner Tucker's ties to the FDNY are deep-he landed his first job as the special assistant to the chief of dispatch when he was 15 years old.
In 2012, he joined the FDNY Foundation's Board of Directors and spearheaded many lifesaving initiatives in New York City, including fire safety outreach in at-risk communities, CPR training for teenagers and the expansion of the FDNY Fire Zone-the fire safety learning center in Manhattan.
He also advanced learning opportunities for frontline fire and EMS chiefs and supported recruitment drives across the fire boroughs.
Throughout his business career and as a philanthropist, Commissioner Tucker has prioritized close working relationships with city agencies, first responders and elected officials.
After being sworn in Monday, Commissioner Tucker toured firehouses and EMS stations in all five boroughs, meeting with the men and women in the field. Stops included Engine 71/Ladder 55/Division 6 in the Bronx; Engine 292/Rescue 4 in Queens; EMS Station 35 and Engine 216/Ladder 108/Battalion 35 in Brooklyn; EMS Station 23 and Engine 168 in Staten Island; and Engine 39/Ladder 16 in Manhattan.