Nigro Helped Rebuild Department After 9/11
Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed last Friday, May 9, former Chief of the Fire Department Daniel Nigro as the city’s new fire commissioner.
Nigro as been given the responsibilities of “ensuring the safety of New York City’s residents and firefighters, increasing diversity among the ranks and maintaining the department’s commitment to swift FDNY response times in neighborhoods across the city,” de Blasio said at the announcement last Friday.
Nigro was named Chief of the Department following the death of Chief of Department Peter Ganci Jr., who perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center North Tower, on Sept. 11, 2001.
Nigro has worked for the department for 32 years in the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. During his time as chief of operations, Nigro instituted a program similar to CompStat to measure and oversee accountability in the department, according to a press release announcing the appointment.
“For more than 30 years, I’ve watched the men and women of the FDNY perform fearlessly in the face of tremendous hardship, and I couldn’t be prouder to lead this team of heroic New Yorkers,” Nigro said in a statement.
“Our courageous firefighters sacrifice to protect this city each day, and I will ensure these first responders are protected and cared for as well. The mayor has outlined a strong vision for the future of this department-one that provides for all our residents equally and reflects our city’s diverse communities-and I look forward to making this vision a reality,” the incoming commissioner added.
“Every day, New York City’s bravest rush toward danger to protect our children, parents and neighbors-and the FDNY’s heroic men and women deserve a leader who shares their unwavering commitment to this noble profession,” de Blasio said.
“Our administration is committed to building on this department’s impressive record, increasing diversity in the ranks, and improving response time-and I know Daniel has what it takes to lead the FDNY forward,” de Blasio added.
Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, chair of the Council Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services, which oversees the FDNY praised the mayor’s selection to lead the FDNY.
“I commend Mayor de Blasio on his appointment of Daniel Nigro as the new FDNY commissioner,” Crowley said in a statement.
Queens raised, Nigro has held nearly every FDNY rank since he began a career in the department in 1969. Nigro grew up in Bayside, the son of an FDNY Capt. and currently lives in Whitestone.
“Mr. Nigro has a strong, well respected record serving in the department, and pioneered the integration of EMS into the FDNY,” Crowley said of the appointment
“From reducing EMS response time, to fixing our 911 call system, to increasing workforce diversity, especially in hiring more women–we have a lot to do in the fire department. I look forward to working with our new Commissioner to make the necessary reforms to keep New Yorkers safe,” she added.
Nigro’s colleagues praised the appointment as well. “Dan Nigro is a good friend and an outstanding choice to be the next Fire Commissioner,” Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano said in a statement.
“We spoke yesterday and I pledged my full support both in the transition that will take place in the next few weeks and as he leads the department in the years to come,” he added.
