The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore has appointed Michael J. Kavanagh to the role of Chief Fire Marshal.
Kavanagh will manage approximately 150 personnel within the Bureau of Fire Investigation (BFI) who determine the origin and cause of thousands of fires throughout the city.
This leadership change affects how the department handles arson and fire-related criminal investigations across the five boroughs.
As law enforcement officers, these investigators hold the power to make arrests and provide data used to improve firefighter safety and public education.
Kavanagh previously served as Assistant Chief Fire Marshal where he managed daily operations including staffing and major incident investigations.
During his time in the BFI, he worked alongside the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Commissioner Bonsignore said: “Chief Kavanagh has dedicated his career to protecting New Yorkers and serving this Department.
“As a Firefighter, Fire Officer, Fire Marshal, and senior leader in the Bureau of Fire Investigation, he has responded to and investigated complex incidents and worked closely with our law enforcement partners to keep our city safe.
“As Chief Fire Marshal, he will lead an outstanding group of Fire Marshals whose work is essential to the safety of the public and the members of this Department.”
The new appointee began his career with the FDNY in 2001 and served in Manhattan engine and ladder companies before becoming an investigator in 2010.
His experience includes a period as a New York City Police Officer in the 84th Precinct in Brooklyn between 1999 and 2001.
Kavanagh earned the Deputy Commissioner Christine R. Godek Medal in 2014 for his resourcefulness and initiative in arson investigations.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a Certified Fire Investigator.
