FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced his retirement from the department on Friday, Jan. 21, effective Feb. 16. He started his career 53 years ago and has served as commissioner for seven years. Nigro is the fourth longest-serving fire commissioner in FDNY history, according to the FDNY, one of only six individuals to hold every rank in the department. Tributes have been paid to him, including from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

 

“Dan and I have had an amazing relationship over our long careers in public service. He’s a tireless champion for New Yorkers, and a friend who I’ve leaned on time and again,” said Adams.

 

“From overseeing the heroic 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts to leading the FDNY’s unwavering response during the pandemic, Dan has worked tirelessly to protect all New Yorkers. New Yorkers, whether they know it or not, are all safer because of the work he’s done and owe him their thanks. Dan defines public service and will be deeply missed by me and the entire department.”

 

In the context of the announcement, Nigro said, “Since the day I raised my right hand 53 years ago and followed my father into the greatest fire department in the world, I have been blessed, privileged, and truly honored to serve the people of our great city.”

He added, “On days of triumphant rescues and during times of unimaginable loss, the members of the FDNY — our firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and civilian staff — have always answered the call. They are extraordinary people and are deeply committed to protecting the lives and property of all New Yorkers. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as their Fire Commissioner.”

According to the FDNY, Nigro was appointed the 33rd fire commissioner for the City in June 2014. In that role,  he oversaw the FDNY’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the highest period of medical calls in New York City history and the creation of a vaccination program for FDNY members, city employees, and homebound New Yorkers.

 

During his tenure, according to FDNY officials, the department executed a recruitment campaign that led to the most diverse group of applicants in FDNY history, with more women and people of color now serving as New York City firefighters than at any point in the department’s 157-year history.

 

I've seen Dan Nigro's courage and leadership up close so many times, even just in the last three weeks alone. His career embodies the nickname "New York's Bravest."

Commissioner, thank you for your service and congratulations on this well-earned retirement. pic.twitter.com/4jj7lL36I4

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 21, 2022

 

 

Nigro was recently photographed looking despondent at the scene of a press conference held after the recent Twin Parks fire tragedy at 333 East 181st Street in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. Seventeen people lost their lives in the tragedy, including 8 children despite the efforts of FDNY personnel who saved many others. “The loss of one life is sad for us, much less 19 lives,” he said, as reported, during the press conference. [The number of fatalities was later revised to 17.]

A number of legislative measures have been taken at both federal and City level in response to the Fordham Heights fire after it was discovered that the fire was caused by an electric space heater, but also because escape was made more difficult for victims because of the amount of smoke that spread because self-closing doors in the building did not function as they should have. [We will be sharing a separate, follow-up story on this legislative topic soon.]

FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro retired today after serving the Department in seven decades. pic.twitter.com/aWFmeEdlSJ

— FDNY (@FDNY) February 16, 2022

 

Nigro shared his personal experiences in the article “Ultimate Responsibility: September 2001,” in the latest issues of WNYF and Pro EMS magazines. It is available now at http://fdnypro.org.