First female FDNY Commissioner, Laura Kavanagh, resigns: 'honor of a lifetime'

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The head of New York City's Fire Department, Laura Kavanagh, is stepping down as Fire Commissioner. She announced her resignation on Saturday.

In a statement obtained by PIX11 News, Kavanagh says she will stay on for several months until a new commissioner is appointed.

“New York City will always be the love of my life. My dedication to the FDNY has never and will never waver. It has been the honor of a lifetime to devote the last 10 years — five as first deputy commissioner and more than two as commissioner — to advocating for the men and women of the FDNY. 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. I look forward to spending the next several months assisting the department’s transition in leadership, before embarking on my next professional challenge. Thank you Mayor Adams for the opportunity you gave me and for your continued support of me and the FDNY.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed Kavanagh commissioner in 2022, making her the first female commissioner in the Fire Department of New York's 157-year history. She oversaw a department of 17,000 employees, including firefighters and emergency medical workers.

“Laura Kavanagh is a proven and tested leader, and I’m proud to announce her historic appointment,” Adams said.

With more than a decade of experience, at the time of her appointment, Kavanagh had served as acting commissioner since the retirement of Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Her experience includes public policy, government, and emergency management.

Kavanagh is a graduate of Whittier College in California and has a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.