Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker Appoints First Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Department
October 24, 2024
Chief of Fire Operations, Two Assistant Chiefs, and Civilian Members also sworn in
Video of the Ceremony is Available HERE
Photos are Available HERE
Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today appointed Mark Guerra as First Deputy Commissioner, the second-highest civilian rank in the FDNY, and John M. Esposito as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the Department.
Kevin F. Woods was appointed as the Chief of Fire Operations. Chief John Sarrocco and Chief Malcolm Moore were promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief. Several civilians were sworn in as well.
"These appointments bring more than 100 years of experience to the top ranks of the FDNY. Their careers have been formed by thousands of fires, emergency medical calls, mass casualty incidents, and treating and rescuing New Yorkers in their darkest hours. I am confident each of them will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Fire Inspectors, and officers under their commands, and continue to improve what is truly the greatest Department in the world," said Fire Commissioner Tucker.
Guerra has been a member of the FDNY for the last 36 years, holding the rank of Battalion Chief. As First Deputy Commissioner, he will manage the day-to-day operations and activities of the FDNY across all offices and bureaus.
"I am deeply committed to serving New Yorkers and to the mission of this Department, as I have been for 36 years. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the many dedicated civilian and uniform staff that make the FDNY run smoothly each day," said First Deputy Commissioner Guerra.
Chief Esposito, a 34-year veteran who most recently served as Chief of Operations, will now oversee the Department's 14,000 uniformed Firefighters and EMS personnel and major agency Bureaus, including Fire Operations, EMS Operations, Training, and Fire Prevention.
"I have served this great Department for more than three decades, in many different units and boroughs. I am honored to be the Chief of Department of the world’s greatest fire department and to have been chosen by Commissioner Tucker for this position. I am dedicated to serving the people of this City, and the men of women that make up the FDNY. You are truly dedicated individuals who fulfill our mission each and every day," said Chief of Department Esposito.
About First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra
First Deputy Commissioner Guerra is a 36-year Department veteran.
As First Deputy Commissioner, Guerra reports directly to Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker
First Deputy Commissioner Guerra joined the Department in 1988 as a Firefighter assigned to Engine 237 and Ladder 124 in Brooklyn. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994 and worked in Ladder 112 in Brooklyn. In 2002, Chief Guerra was promoted to Captain and served in Engine 214 in Brooklyn. In 2019 he was promoted to Battalion Chief, assigned to Battalion 35. He has been cited for bravery on four separate occasions during his career.
Guerra served as the Executive Officer to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, and as Executive Officer of the FDNY Ceremonial Unit. Guerra holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College, a Juris Doctor from St. John's Law, and is a graduate of the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute. Guerra is a member of the FDNY Hispanic Society.
About Chief of Department John M. Esposito
Chief Esposito is a 34-year veteran who most recently served as Chief of Operations, where he oversaw the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire officers, as well as dozens of high-ranking Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.
Previous to his appointment as Chief of Operations, Chief Esposito was Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included leading Rescue, Marine, and Hazardous Material Operations.
Chief Esposito joined the Department in 1991, and his first assignment was Engine Company 324 in Queens. As a Firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and worked Division 13 in Queens and in the Special Operations Command; in 2005 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. In 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan, and later served in Division 3 in Manhattan. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief of Operations, where he served until becoming Acting Chief of Department in June 2024.
He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and has a Masters' Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chief Esposito has also served as the Intelligence and Analysis Section Chief at the FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness. He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee.
About Chief of Operations Kevin F. Woods
Chief Kevin Woods is a 34-year veteran who has most recently served as Assistant Chief of Operations, assisting the Chief of Operations in overseeing 11,0000 Firefighters and fire officers, Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.
Chief Woods joined the Department in 1990 and was first assigned to Engine 201 in Brooklyn. In 1999, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in Battalion 48 and Engine 239 in Brooklyn. Chief Woods was promoted to Captain in 2003 and assigned to Division 8 and Engine 233. In 2004 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 4 and later Battalion 1 in Manhattan. In 2009, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Division 11.
Chief Woods became a Deputy Assistant Chief assigned to Staten Island Borough Command in 2019 and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2021. In 2022, Chief Woods became Assistant Chief of Operations.
He is a graduate of CUNY John Jay, with a degree in Fire and Emergency Management, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and the Naval Postgraduate School Executive Leaders Program.
As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Woods will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Chiefs and work hand and hand with borough commanders, city planning, and many other areas.
About Assistant Chief of Special Operations Malcolm Moore
Chief Moore is a 29-year veteran of the Department. Chief Moore is currently serving as Chief of Special Operations, overseeing the Department's highly trained special units including Hazardous Materials Operations, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations, & Robotics.
Chief Moore joined the Department in 1996, and his first assignment was to Engine Company 214 in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and covered in Battalion 49 in Queens before being assigned to Ladder Company 136 in Elmhurst. In 2007, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Division 15 in Brooklyn, where he later served as the Captain of Ladder Company 107 in East New York. Promoted to Battalion Chief in 2013, he covered in Division 11 prior to assignment to Battalion 48. Soon after, he joined the Special Operations Command as a Battalion Chief in the Rescue Battalion. Following promotion to Deputy Chief in 2019, he served in Division 13 in Southern Queens before his assignment as chief in charge of Rescue Operations. In 2022, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and designated Chief of the Special Operations Command.
He is a graduate of SUNY Empire State College, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and the FDNY's Mental Performance Initiative.
About Assistant Chief of Operations John A. Sarrocco
Chief Sarrocco is a 35-year veteran of the Department. Before his appointment as Assistant Chief of Operations, Chief Sarrocco was the Bronx Borough Commander.
Chief Sarrocco was appointed in 1990 and was first assigned to Engine 206 and then Engine 332 in Brooklyn. In 1999, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the 13th Division before being assigned to Engine 236 in Brooklyn in 2001. Following his promotion to Captain in 2003, Chief Sarrocco worked in Engine 260. In 2005, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, assigned to Battalion 2 and Battalion 1 in Manhattan. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2016, serving in Operations and Division 1. In 2021, he was promoted once again, this time to Deputy Assistant Chief and served as the Bronx Borough Commander.
As Assistant Chief of Operations, he will assist the Chief of Operations in overseeing 11,0000 Firefighters and fire officers, Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.
Chief Sarrocco is a graduate of Long Island University, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, West Point Combatting Terrorism Leadership Course, and the FDNY's Mental Performance Initiative.