New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker announced his resignation Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election.
Tucker, who was appointed to the role in 2024, will step down effective December 19, just 13 days before Mamdani is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2026.
Tucker did not specify a reason for his departure but said in a statement emailed to Newsweek that “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 35th New York City Fire Commissioner.”
“We empowered the brave men and women who keep our city safe, bringing fire-related deaths to a historic low,” Tucker said in the statement, adding, “I will leave this critical role on December 19, 2025. Between now and then, I will continue to lead the greatest fire department in the world and will ensure an orderly transition.”
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani by email for comment Wednesday.
Why It Matters
Tucker’s resignation marks a significant leadership change at the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) during a pivotal political transition for the city.
As Mayor-elect Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, his incoming administration will be responsible for appointing a new fire commissioner to guide one of the nation’s largest and most visible emergency services.
What To Know
Tucker was appointed commissioner in 2024 following the resignation of Laura Kavanagh. He previously served as the CEO of a private security company.
In his statement, Tucker did not give a specific reason for his departure but emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and his intent to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Under Tucker, New York City reported the lowest number of fire-related deaths in 10 years, according to Mayor Eric Adams.
Mamdani will have the authority to nominate and appoint the next permanent fire commissioner as part of his incoming administration.
What People Are Saying
Robert Tucker, FDNY commissioner, in his resignation letter emailed to Newsweek: “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 35th New York City Fire Commissioner. Thank you to Mayor Adams for his trust and confidence in doing this job. We empowered the brave men and women who keep our city safe, bringing fire-related deaths to a historic low. I will leave this critical role on December 19, 2025. Between now and then, I will continue to lead the greatest fire department in the world and will ensure an orderly transition.”
Mayor Eric Adams, in a statement to WPIX: “Under his leadership, we’ve decreased fire-related deaths in our city to the lowest in a decade.”
What Happens Next
An acting FDNY commissioner is expected to be named for the transition, according to city officials. Mamdani is anticipated to select the next permanent fire commissioner once he takes office on January 1, 2026.