Laura Kavanagh | |
|---|---|
 Kavanagh being sworn in as New York City's 34th Fire Commissioner at official ceremony on Thursday, October 27, 2022 | |
| 34th New York City Fire Commissioner[1] | |
| In office Acting: February 16, 2022 – October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 – August 12, 2024 | |
| Mayor | Eric Adams |
| Preceded by | Daniel A. Nigro |
| Succeeded by | Robert Tucker |
| First Deputy Commissioner of New York City Fire Department | |
| In office January 2018 – February 16, 2022 | |
| Commissioner | Daniel A. Nigro |
| Preceded by | Robert Turner |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Pfeifer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1981 or 1982[2] |
| Spouse | Ross |
| Residence(s) | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Whittier College (BS) Columbia University (MPA) |
Laura Kavanagh (born 1981 or 1982[2]) is an American government official who served as the 34th commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). She was first woman to hold the position. Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams on October 27, 2022,[3] Kavanagh oversaw the diversification of the FDNY applicant pool, including graduating the largest group of women in nearly three decades.[citation needed]
Prior to her appointment as Fire Commissioner, Kavanagh spent several years with the FDNY, involved in the agency's response to major incidents including the Ebola outbreak of 2014 and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.[4] Kavanagh's tenure as commissioner was met with opposition by rank-and-file members of the FDNY based on her relatively young age, lack of any experience as a first responder and allegations of her department's demoting older and more experienced fire chiefs. [5]
Kavanagh resigned on August 7, 2024.
- ^ McCowan, Candace (February 16, 2022). "End of an era: Commissioner Dan Nigro retires after half century with FDNY". ABC.com. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ a b Coleman, Maia; Marcius, Chelsia Rose; Meko, Hurubie (2024-07-13). "Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to Step Down". New York Times. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ "Mayor Adams Appoints Laura Kavanagh as Fire Commissioner". Official Website of the City of New York. October 27, 2022.
- ^ "Fire Commissioner". Fire Department City of New York. October 27, 2022.
- ^ "After a Difficult Debut, Fire Commissioner Faces a Suit From Top Chiefs". New York Times. October 27, 2022.