FDNY- James E. Leonard Sworn in as New Chief of Department

[Share]Published: October 31, 2014 James E. Leonard Sworn in as the FDNY's 35th Chief of Department Chief Leonard takes the Oath of Office, as his wife, Patricia, holds the Bible. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro swore in James E. Leonard on Oct. 31 as the FDNY's 35th Chief of Department during a ceremony at Headquarters. ”This is truly a historic day for the FDNY,” Commissioner Nigro said. ”This is a leader who always acts in the best interests of this Department.” Chief Leonard is a 35-year veteran of the FDNY, and now holds the Department's highest ranking uniformed position. Newly promoted Chief of Department James Leonard with outgoing Chief Edward Kilduff. He thanked his family and the many firefighters and firefighters who shaped his career. ”I've been lucky to have worked with great firefighters and tremendous officers, who always had our backs,” he said. He said he plans to do outreach to communities and said the Department's greatest asset is its people. And noted that as members of the Department, ”No matter what the emergency, we need to get people past their time of crisis and help them in any way we can.” Learn more about his distinguished career.