MyFDNY News: January 2026

MyFDNY NEWS

LILLIAN BONSIGNORE, A 31-YEAR VETERAN OF THE FDNY AND FORMER CHIEF OF EMS OPERATIONS, SWORN IN AS DEPARTMENT’S 37TH FIRE COMMISSIONER

Mayor Zohran Mamdani swore in Lillian Bonsignore as the 37th FDNY Commissioner on Jan. 6 at the Department’s headquarters in Brooklyn.

“Standing here today, I’m struck by a profound sense of coming home. For 31 years, I had the privilege of wearing the FDNY uniform. I know the weight of the turnout gear, the adrenaline of the tones and the calls, and the sacred bond that forms in the firehouses and EMS stations,” Commissioner Bonsignore said after being sworn in. “To lead this Department is the greatest honor of my life, but I do not mistake this ceremony for an achievement, but a deeper commitment to those who do the work. I do not lead to stand above you. I lead to stand behind you—providing the tools, the trust and the tenac

JANUARY 2026

FIRE COMMISSIONER Lillian Bonsignore

CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT John M. Esposito

FDNY MEMBERS HELP INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS IN NEW YORK CITY HOMES AS PART OF 2026 MLK DAY OF SERVICE

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy of service and community engagement, FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and Chief of Department John Esposito joined members of the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit on Jan. 19 to install free More on Page 2

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LILLIAN BONSIGNORE, A 31-YEAR VETERAN OF THE FDNY AND FORMER CHIEF OF

IN AS DEPARTMENT’S 37TH FIRE COMMISSIONER

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ity you need to save lives, whether you’re at the nozzle, the stretcher or the computer terminal.”

Mayor Mamdani said: “I have appointed Lillian to this role—not solely for her wealth of experience, not solely because of her vision and ideas for how we take the FDNY into its latest year of existence—but also because of the respect she holds for this work and all those who do it. The person entrusted with this leadership, with being the Commissioner of this Department, must be someone who cares about each corner of New York City and whose expertise lends itself to a moment of both change and new challenges. Lillian Bonsignore both has that experience and is that leader. In the hardest moments that this city has faced, Lillian has stepped up and has done that noble work of saving lives.”

Commissioner Bonsignore was appointed as a New York City EMT in 1991 and initially assigned to EMS Station 14 at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. She moved up the ranks to become a lieutenant in 2005 and later became a paramedic in 2007. Commissioner Bonsignore was appointed as Chief of EMS Operations in 2019, be -

coming the first woman to achieve a four-star rank in EMS in the history of the FDNY.

Commissioner Bonsignore led FDNY EMS through the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of unprecedented medical call volume across New York City. n

I am so proud to serve as your 37th Fire Commissioner. Returning to the Department I love is truly an honor, and I am humbled by the opportunity to once again stand alongside the extraordinary men and women of the FDNY.

Follow FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore on

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore worked for the Department for more than 31 years before retiring in 2022. She was the Chief of EMS Operations, guiding FDNY EMS through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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smoke alarms for New York City residents.

The annual initiative reflects the FDNY’s ongoing commitment to fire prevention, public education and protecting communities at most risk. By pairing hands-on smoke alarm installations with vital fire safety information, the Department continues its mission to help keep New Yorkers safe in their homes.

“Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘What are you doing for others?’ Today, the FDNY answers that call,” Commissioner Bonsignore said. “We want to set New Yorkers up

FDNY members played a critical role in safeguarding the iconic Times Square ball drop celebration on New Year’s Eve in New York City.

New Year’s Eve is the Department’s busiest night of the year. The FDNY places more ambulances on the streets that night than any other night of the year. Members from both EMS and fire operations respond to thousands of medical calls.

To ensure safety at the annual event, the FDNY collaborates with the NYPD, NYC Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and other city, state and federal agencies. The FDNY deployed hundreds of additional resources to support the event, including EMS and fire operations, fire prevention, fire investigation, Haz-Mat and dispatch units.

The FDNY’s presence extended far beyond Times Square, with units citywide prepared to respond to emergencies across all five boroughs. n

for success. We are their fire department, and our job is to protect their property and their lives.”

The smoke alarm installations are made possible through the FDNY Foundation’s generous support of the lifesaving safety education and smoke alarm campaign. The American Red Cross is also a valued partner in the effort.

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. For more fire safety tips and resources, go to FDNYSmart.org. n

(1) The FDNY held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of paramedics on Dec. 18 at St. John’s University in Queens. The graduates trained for 11 months at the EMS Academy at Fort Totten, at hospitals on clinical internships, and in field rotations. Paramedics have extensive training in anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as many critical lifesaving skills. Congratulations to the newest FDNY paramedics! (2) The FDNY held a promotion ceremony for members of fire operations on Dec. 22 at the College of Staten Island. Members were promoted to the following ranks: Assistant Chief, Deputy Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. The newly promoted members were assigned to units throughout New York City. (3) Holiday cheer filled the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Dec. 18 as FDNY members from Engine 44/Ladder 13 teamed up with NYPD officers from the 19th Precinct to brighten the season for children and families at Ronald McDonald House New York’s annual “Miracle on 73rd Street” event. The first responders delivered holiday gifts to children battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses, helping create joyful moments. The annual partnership between the FDNY, the NYPD and Ronald McDonald House New York is a powerful reminder of the impact community, kindness and compassion can have—especially during the holidays. (4) The FDNY joined New Yorkers in celebrating Hanukkah at the 2025 Community Menorah Lighting outside of Engine 234/Ladder 123 in Brooklyn. (5) Twenty-three members of the FDNY were awarded educational scholarships from the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association at a Jan. 14 ceremony. The scholarships are investments in the FDNY’s members as they take their learning to the next level. (6) On Dec. 30, the FDNY welcomed retired Firefighter Anthony Catania back to his old stomping grounds at Engine 201/Ladder 114 in Brooklyn. Firefighter Catania was surprised with a lunch at the firehouse he called home for 20 years. n

CHIEF PAUL MIANO SWORN IN AS THE

MEET PARAMEDIC KINESSA DUGUID, STATION 54

1. What called you to a life of public service at the FDNY?

I have always been very interested in the medical field and the life of public service. To know the inner workings of the human body and to be able to use that knowledge to contribute to helping the people of New York City is very fulfilling.

2. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at the FDNY?

Attending paramedic school provided some of the most memorable moments I can think of during my time here with the FDNY. I can tend to be shy in certain situations, but becoming a paramedic provided the challenge I needed to break out of that mold. Being a paramedic means that you are running the show from the moment you arrive on scene, and it’s important to always be confident in your skills.

3. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?

We are FDNY signifies a sense of identity, unity and pride among the members of the FDNY. It conveys a message of solidarity and teamwork within the community, emphasizing the shared commitment to serve and protect the City and its residents. This phrase embodies the spirit of cooperation and dedication that defines FDNY as an institution.

4. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?

I’d like to think that my superpower is finding the solution to whatever problem is happening at the time. Having a positive attitude and knowing how to de-escalate things in dangerous situations reminds me that I am meant to do this and why I have continued to do this for the last 22 years.

5. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?

My role as a medical professional has supported the FDNY’s public safety mission by staying true to the oath I made many years ago to save lives. My skills and years of training have allowed me to be an asset to my own community. With that comes pride and resilience, in hopes of passing that training onto others who come after me as dedicated members of the FDNY. n

OPERATIONS

Chief Paul Miano, a 26-year veteran of the FDNY, was sworn in as the Department’s Chief of EMS Operations on Dec. 30. Chief Miano joined the FDNY in 1999, working as an EMT in Brooklyn. He climbed through the ranks throughout his career and was promoted to assistant chief in 2023. Chief Miano will oversee the FDNY’s more than 4,000 EMTs, paramedics and EMS officers and civilian employees. Additionally, Chief Miano will be responsible for overseeing operations, planning, strategic initiatives and logistics within FDNY EMS. n

THE WRAP