There's a new person in charge of New York City's fire department.
Robert Tucker is taking over for Laura Kavanagh as the city's 35th Fire Commissioner. He oversees a department with 17 thousand employees and a two billion dollar budget.
"I can think of no higher calling than serving as the fire commissioner for the city of New York. This is truly a dream come true."
Tucker was never a firefighter himself, but has been involved with the department a long time. That includes being an intern in 1985 and he serves as secretary of the FDNY Foundation. Mayor Eric Adams is hopeful the department will be better off internally because of the new hire.
"We had to put out the flames that are actually burning inside the agency. It's going to take a level of honesty and ability to communicate to accomplish that task. That's why Robert was crucial to me."
His appointment is drawing high praise from former fire commissioner Dan Nigro. The Head of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association Andrew Ansbro also likes the move.
"It is great to see that the new commissioner has long and deep ties with the FDNY and a great appreciation for the rank and file of New York City’s bravest."