Laura Kavanagh, the New York City Fire Department Commissioner, has announced her resignation amid various controversies and challenges.
As reported by multiple sources, Kavanagh, 42, expressed her gratitude to New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his support.
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital, she said: “While the decision I have made over the last month has been a hard one, I’m confident that it is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader of the finest Fire Department in the world.”
She plans to assist in the leadership transition over the coming months before pursuing new professional opportunities.
Mayor Adams expressed respect for Kavanagh’s decision in a separate statement: “Commissioner Kavanagh has dedicated her life to keeping New Yorkers safe, and while we’ve made it clear that she could have kept this position for as long as she wanted, we respect her decision to take the next step in her career.”
Despite recent criticisms, Kavanagh remained committed to her role within the FDNY.
Her tenure saw several high-profile challenges, including criticism for promising to “hunt” down protesting firefighters who booed Attorney General Letitia James during an FDNY ceremony.
In 2023, she faced an age discrimination lawsuit from several high-level FDNY staffers, alleging a hostile and retaliatory work environment.
Kavanagh reiterated her dedication to the FDNY in an email to the New York Post, stating: “My dedication to the FDNY has never and will never waver.
While the decision I have made over the last month has been a hard one, I’m confident that it is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader of the finest Fire Department in the world.”
Mayor Adams consistently supported Kavanagh despite rumors of her resignation.
He told the New York Post: “I love her style — I want her in my administration, whichever she decides to do.
As long as she wants to be my fire commissioner, she will be my fire commissioner.”
Appointed by Adams in 2022, Kavanagh was the first female fire commissioner in New York City.
Her career included campaigns for prominent Democrats, such as former President Barack Obama and ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Throughout her tenure as commissioner, she worked on addressing the FDNY’s diversity issues and rising emergency response times.
Union leaders have expressed hopes for strong leadership from the next commissioner.
Jim Long, a spokesman for the FDNY, highlighted successful educational campaigns on lithium-ion battery dangers, which have reduced related fatalities.
Union leaders James Brosi and Andrew Ansbro emphasized the need to address issues such as lithium-ion battery fires, firefighter cancer diagnoses, and increased fire-related deaths.
