Laura Kavanagh Is FDNY's First Woman Commissioner: Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — A woman will head the FDNY for the first time in the department's 157-year history.

Laura Kavanagh is the FDNY's new commissioner, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday at a Lower Manhattan firehouse.

Kavanagh described herself as a shy, introverted only child who came to New York City on a one-way ticket. Decades later, she said, she's leading the "great fire department in the world."

"To say it is the honor of a lifetime is an understatement," she said.

With Kavanagh's appointment and Keechant Sewell serving as NYPD commissioner, women will lead both the city's fire and police departments.

Adams called Kavanagh an "exceptional leader" who would always have a role in his administration.

"Yes, this is historic: the first woman to lead the largest fire department in this country," Adams said.

"Gender should not define who we are and what we could become."

Kavanagh served as the department's acting commissioner after Daniel Nigro retired.