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Lillian Bonsignore Sworn In as NYC's First Out Lesbian Fire Commissioner

1/7/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lillian Bonsignore was sworn in as the 37th Fire Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on January 6, 2026.
She became the first out lesbian to hold the post.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised her experience, including leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bonsignore is a 31-year FDNY veteran and previously served as Chief of EMS Operations, making her the first woman to achieve four-star EMS rank in FDNY.

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Story summary

Lillian Bonsignore was sworn in as the 37th Fire Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on January 6, 2026.
She became the first out lesbian to hold the post.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised her experience, including leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bonsignore is a 31-year FDNY veteran and previously served as Chief of EMS Operations, making her the first woman to achieve four-star EMS rank in FDNY.