Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons becomes the highest-ranking female fire officer in FDNY history

February 14, 2025

After more than 24 years on the job, Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons made history on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, becoming the first female to reach the rank of deputy chief in fire operations at a promotion ceremony at Queens College.

Chief Fitzsimmons, who joined the FDNY in 2001, is now the highest-ranking female firefighter.

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, address Chief Fitzsimmons, said: "You are making history today, shattering the glass-ceiling for women everywhere and reminding our city that promotional opportunities in the FDNY know no limits. You are showing women and girls everywhere what leadership looks like, what possibility looks like. The impact of your promotion today will reverberate for decades."

Chief Fitzsimmons comes from a family of firefighters. Her great-grandfather joined the FDNY in 1909, her grandfather joined in 1932 and her sister joined in 2006.

"I hope that other women who are in the Department now can see themselves rising through the ranks, and I hope that young girls can see themselves as being firefighters in the New York City Fire Department," Chief Fitzsimmons said.