FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh’s last day revealed

NEW YORK (PIX11) — FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh will officially leave her position on Aug. 7, the fire department announced on Thursday.

An FDNY spokeswoman told PIX11 News:

“As she promised, the Commissioner has spent the past several weeks leading a planned transition of leadership at the FDNY, in addition to helping the mayor’s team search for the Department’s next commissioner. Commissioner Kavanagh’s last day at the FDNY will be August 7th, almost one month after she announced her scheduled departure and months after she initiated these conversations with administration leadership. Importantly, there will be no lapse in leadership.”

Amanda Farinacci, FDNY spokeswoman

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

Kavanagh spent a decade in the fire department. She sat down with PIX on Politics host Dan Mannarino to discuss why she has chosen to step down and rumors swirling around her decision.

Sources told PIX11 News that the date was chosen to align with a planned vacation and after months of conversations about her desire to “step away from the department.”

Adams said Kavanagh is welcome to a job in the administration if she wants, but Kavanagh said her family will play a big part in her future decisions.

“I’ve told him I am open to it. I am very appreciative of him. I’ve worked for a lot of people and has been one of my best bosses,” said Kavanagh.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk . Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com .

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