The FDNY Premieres New Film About First Black Fire Commissioner Robert O. Lowery

April 18, 2024

Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh will attend the premiere of an FDNY produced film, “The First: Fire Commissioner Robert O. Lowery’s Story” on Friday, April 19 at 6 p.m. at the New York City Fire Museum on Spring Street. The film depicts the life and career of Commissioner Lowery, the FDNY’s first Black Fire Commissioner and features interviews with the Lowery family, Mayor Eric Adams, FDNY officials, and the Vulcan Society.

Media interviews will take place directly following the presentation of the film. Media MUST RSVP to FDNYOPI@FDNY.NYC.GOV to attend.

Lowery joined the Department in 1941 and was assigned to Ladder Company 34 in Manhattan. In 1946, he transferred to the Bureau of Fire Investigation and served as a Fire Marshal for 17 years, where he was cited numerous times for his outstanding investigative ability. He was an active member of the Vulcan Society, serving as its president multiple times in his years of service. In 1961, he was appointed to the rank of Acting Lieutenant, where he was responsible for establishing a community relations program for the Bureau of Fire Investigation. In 1963, he was appointed Deputy Fire Commissioner and charged with increasing diversity within the ranks of the Department. On January 1, 1966, he was sworn in as Fire Commissioner by Mayor John V. Lindsay. He served for eight years, during an unprecedented period of fire activity known in the Department as “The War Years.” Commissioner Lowery resigned from his position in September 1973.

WHO: Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, Chief of Department John Hodgens, members of the Lowery Family, FDNY Officials

WHERE: New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St, New York, NY 10013

WHEN: Friday, April 19 – 6:00 p.m.

***PHOTO OP***