Mayor Eric Adams: As we finish up these last few days here in this administration, one would ask why are we making an appointment today of the FDNY, the new commissioner to come in? It’s because activities that take place in the Police Department and all of our public safety apparatus, they don't go on holiday. They don't stop. They don't pause.
If you look at the beginning of my time in office, we had a horrific fire that took the lives of a large number of Bronxnites. It calls for a person to be experienced at the helm and the ability to carry out the job.
Since day one, we have been focused on public safety. Public safety is the prerequisite of prosperity, and nothing personifies that more than the men and women of the FDNY and the NYPD. And today is my privilege to announce the appointment of Mark Guerra as FDNY commissioner.
A 37-year veteran of the department, incoming Commissioner Guerra brings decades of experience in protecting our city and New Yorkers to this role. It takes a certain type of experience here that we're looking for. Day after day, when I respond to an emergency and I see incoming Commissioner Guerra on the scene, you see a calm, steady, experienced hand ready to ensure that not only the lives of those who are encountering the emergency are protected and taken care of, but the men and women of the FDNY.
To put your hand up to run towards danger and save lives is an admirable task that not too many people can do. And this is the role that incoming Commissioner Guerra continues to show and will continue to do as the new fire commissioner. He embodies the spirit of New York City’s bravest from beginning his career as a firefighter with Engine 237 and Ladder 124 in Brooklyn, to a lieutenant at Ladder 112 in Brooklyn, to serving as captain in Engine 214 in Brooklyn and battalion chief of Battalion 35. And as executive officer to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and as executive officer of the FDNY ceremonial unit.
Now the role he is moving from, the deputy commissioner. Mark has always put the needs of this city and his brothers and sisters in FDNY first. Today he will take on his most important role yet as fire commissioner, where he will lead New York's bravest and protect 8.5 [million] New Yorkers and ensure the 17,000 employees that fall under the FDNY commissioner’s role are given the necessary tools and resources to carry out their job.
And he will help prepare the FDNY for the next challenges as we transition into the next administration. He will give the experience, the expertise and know how to get it done. I believe this department will benefit from his experience as it has already. His leadership and his spirit and love for the men and women who serve us all, you see it every day. Mark will serve us well too.
I can't think of anyone who knows the Fire Department better and who brings the right energy and spirit to get the job done. Someone who has the trust and confidence of so many and who has demonstrated leadership at every level. New York City is grateful to have a leader with so much experience ready to take the helm at this critical moment.
And before I administer the oath of office, I want to thank Fire Commissioner Tucker. Robert came in and he served the city well and I want to tell him the city appreciates his dedication and commitment. Commissioner Guerra, some would say has big shoes to fill but knowing him, Commissioner Guerra is going to bring his own and he's going to make sure it continues until the last day of this administration.
He supports our firefighters and protects our city. So, Mark, I would like to now administer the oath of office to you and to tell you thank you for the service that you have provided. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.
[Oath Ceremony.]
Mayor Adams: Congratulations. Thank you. You can say a few words.
Incoming Fire Commissioner Mark Guerra: Good afternoon. I'd like to thank the mayor for showing the confidence in me to swear me in as the 36th fire commissioner of the City of New York. It is my pleasure to serve him, the citizens of the City of New York, and my brothers and sisters, the bravest and the best of the Fire Department of the City of New York.
I appreciate the opportunity for this short period of time to lead the Fire Department during a very critical time, during the holidays, at a very busy season. I believe it is important for continuity of operation to have the best leadership in place, even as we move into the new administration. Thank you very much.
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