New York City's fire commissioner has appointed a new chief of department and chief of fire operations for FDNY.
John Sudnik will be chief of department, the top uniformed position in the FDNY. Thomas J. Richardson was named the chief of fire operations, the second-highest ranking uniformed position in the department.
“In running the Department’s Bureau of Fire Operations for the past four years, Chief Sudnik has demonstrated strong, exceptional leadership for all of our Firefighters and Fire Officers – supervising their efforts at major emergencies throughout the city," FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement announcing the appointments Wednesday. "Overseeing our Bureau of Training, Chief Richardson has been responsible for ensuring our Firefighters and EMS personnel are trained to the highest standards and prepared to save the lives of New Yorkers on day one.
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"I am confident they will work hard to further improve our Fire and EMS operations, while ensuring the safety of the brave men and women under their command who selflessly serve our city," he added.
Sudnik, a 33-year FDNY veteran, takes over for James Leonard, who was stripped of his title after allegations of "inappropriate behavior" in December. Leonard retired after 39 years of service, the FDNY said.
The appointments are effective immediately. As chief of department, Sudnik will oversee FDNY's 16,000 uniformed firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as four major agency bureaus.
“I’m honored to have been selected by Commissioner Nigro to serve as Chief of Department, and I’ll do my very best to protect the people of our city and the men and women who bravely serve our citizens,” Sudnik, who joined the FDNY in 1985, said. “Our uniformed personnel are amazingly dedicated and I will do all I can to support them and the mission of service they provide to the many millions of New Yorkers who live, work and visit our great city.”
As chief of fire operations, Richardson, a 38-year veteran who had been the chief of training since 2017, will oversee the day-to-day worki of more than 11,000 firefighters, fire officers and chiefs. He also will oversee the Department’s highly trained special units.
“Leading the Bureau of Fire Operations is truly the honor of a lifetime,” said Richardson, who joined the FDNY in 1980. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership of every bureau to ensure the safety of our members, and the people we are all sworn to protect.”
