Mayor Eric Adams has named security company executive Robert Tucker as the next commissioner of the FDNY.

Tucker, who serves as the chairman and CEO of T&M USA, a New York City-based global security firm, will replace former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, who ended her tenure last week.

Tucker also serves on the board of directors of the FDNY Foundation, the FDNY’s official not-for-profit.

His first job was working for the FDNY’s communications office in Manhattan as a teenager, according to a profile on the group's website.

Robert Tucker's original FDNY identification card. (Spectrum News NY1/Richard Agostinoni)

Kavanagh in July announced she would step down after nearly two years on the job. She was the first woman to serve as commissioner in the department's 157-year history. 

At a press conference Monday, Adams called Tucker "the person to take this department to the next level."

"I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the role that Commissioner Kavanagh played," Adams said. "It was a challenging task to be the first woman to be a commissioner in the fire department of the city of New York, and she stood up to that challenge."

"Being the Bravest is more than running into a burning building. It's running into challenging circumstances, and she did that. She loved this city, and she embraced the city and I thank her for her service to this city," he added. "Now, we pass the baton."

Kavanagh’s tenure as commissioner was marked by some controversy. Last year, several demoted former senior FDNY officials filed a lawsuit against both the city and Kavanagh claiming they were the victims of age discrimination.

Adams on Monday said he "knew what [Tucker] was inheriting."

"He was inheriting more than just a department that had to put out flames of burning buildings. We had to put out the flames that are actually burning inside the agency," the mayor said. "And it's going to take a level of honesty and ability to communicate to accomplish that task."

First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfiefer had been serving as the FDNY’s acting commissioner following Kavanagh’s departure.

As FDNY commissioner, Tucker will oversee the agency’s approximately 17,000 employees and multibillion-dollar budget.

Tucker is a George Washington University alumnus and a graduate of Pace University’s law school, Adams said in a news release. He served as a special assistant in the Queens district attorney’s office before he started working at T&M USA, the release said. 

“Public safety has been my life’s work,” Tucker said after being sworn in by Adams on Monday. “I’ve had a long career in the public and private sector, and being appointed fire commissioner of the city of New York is the biggest honor of my life.”

Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association, praised the mayor's appointment, saying in a statement that Tucker has "deep ties with the FDNY and a great appreciation for the rank and file of New York City's bravest."

“From his early start in communications and his hard work and life-long dedication, which led to his appointment to the Board of Directors for the FDNY Foundation, his experience makes him uniquely qualified to understand the changes that could be made to improve efficiency in the department by increasing unit availability, which would lead to a decrease in response times," Ansbro said. "This would enable the department to better serve the FDNY's mission to protect lives and property in New York City. We wish him luck and success as he assumes the role of commissioner of the FDNY, the greatest fire department in the world."

James Brosi, the president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, also offered words of praise.

"The UFOA looks forward to working with Commissioner Tucker. His long-standing relationship with public services, specifically his work on the board of the FDNY Foundation, gives him an insight into the complexity and culture of the FDNY,” Brosi said in a statement. “His leadership and executive experience in the private sector should enable him to effectively confront the challenges of the FDNY."

“He will put the financial component in place. He will make sure the members feel valued and he will take advice from people who have been in this department for many years and value that advice and make them feel valued,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who chairs the City Council’s committee on fire and emergency management, said. 

Tucker now joins a long list of men leading the fire department.

“Firehouse culture has come under scrutiny. It is important to remember that a house needs to be just that, a home for everyone who signs up for this line of work. I will work to ensure our houses deliver the cultures and experience everyone deserves,” he said, pushing back against the criticism.

After being named commissioner, Tucker’s first day was met with tragedy. He announced the death of Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder Jr, who died this weekend of a “cardiac episode” after working Friday.  

“We’re going to celebrate what’s going right with pride, and we’re going to be unflinching about admitting when we can do better. So what’s my message, FDNY? It’s simple. While you have New Yorkers’ backs, I’ve got your back,” he said.