FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker swears in First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra, Chief of Department John Esposito and other members of executive staff

October 24, 2024

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker swore in members of his executive team on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, including First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra and Chief of Department John Esposito. The ceremony took place at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island.

"I've been an admirer of the FDNY for years, but nothing could have prepared me for how impressed I have been day in and day out by all the people that make this place work," Fire Commissioner Tucker said. "Today, I'm beyond honored to make each of you a part of my team—publicly and officially. For the last several years, as you've worked up the ranks, you have been an example to those you lead. We also promote several civilians today. Know that the behind-the-scenes work that you do is critically important to this department, and your hard work is appreciated by all."

First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra joined the FDNY in 1988, beginning his career as a firefighter at Engine 237/Ladder 124 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.

"From the time I joined the FDNY, I've always been told to leave this Department a little bit better than I found it. That's my plan, and I hope that we all do that together," First Deputy Commissioner Guerra said.

Chief of Department John Esposito began his career with the FDNY in 1991. He most recently served as Chief of Fire Operations, where he oversaw the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire officers. After being sworn in, Chief Esposito recalled a book he saw in the library when he was in eighth grade. He picked up the book, Dennis Smith's "Report from Engine Co. 82," and said it changed his life. He joined the FDNY several years later.

"To me, the most important aspect of the job is to make sure that all the people in the field—our EMTs, our firefighters, our fire protection inspectors, our officers, paramedics, fire marshals and chief officers—that everybody is well-trained and well-equipped to do the job we ask them to do," Chief Esposito said. "We are a unified team moving forward to protect lives, solve problems and make the FDNY better than it has ever been."

The following members were also promoted or appointed during the Executive Staff Promotion Ceremony: Chief of Fire Operations Kevin F. Woods; Assistant Chief of Fire Operations John A. Sarrocco; Special Operations Command Malcolm Moore; Assistant Deputy Commissioner - External Partnerships James Harding; Associate Commissioner - Support Services Jeremy Brooks; Assistant Commissioner - Family Assistance Unit Dominique Joseph; and General Law - Corina Leske.