Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker appoints first deputy commissioner and department chief

October 24, 2024

The fire chief, two deputy chiefs and civilian members were also sworn in
Video of the ceremony is available HERE
Photos are available HERE

Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today named Mark Guerra as first deputy commissioner, the second-highest civilian rank in the FDNY, and John M. Esposito as department chief, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the department.

Kevin F. Woods has been named fire chief. Chief John Sarrocco and Chief Malcolm Moore were promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief. Several civilians were also sworn in.

“These appointments bring more than 100 years of experience to the senior ranks of the FDNY. Their careers have been shaped by thousands of fires, emergency medical calls, mass casualty accidents, and treating and rescuing New Yorkers in their darkest hours. “I am confident.” Each of them will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all firefighters, paramedics, paramedics, fire inspectors and officers under their command and to continue to improve what is truly the best department in the world,” said Fire Commissioner Tucker.

Guerra has been a member of the FDNY for 36 years and held the rank of battalion chief. As First Deputy Commissioner, he will direct the daily operations and activities of the FDNY across all bureaus and offices.

“I have been deeply committed to serving New Yorkers and the mission of this department for 36 years. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with the many dedicated civilian and uniformed employees who keep the FDNY running smoothly every day,” said First Deputy Commissioner Guerra.

Chief Esposito, a 34-year veteran who most recently served as incident commander, will now oversee the department’s 14,000 uniformed firefighters and EMS personnel as well as key agency offices, including fire operations, EMS, training and fire prevention.

“I have served this great department for more than three decades in many different units and districts. It is the honor of my life to be the department chief of the largest fire department in the world. “I am committed to serving the people of this city,” “and the men and women who make up the FDNY are truly dedicated people who carry out our mission every day,” said Chief Esposito.

About First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra
First Deputy Commissioner Guerra is a 36-year veteran of the department.

As first deputy commissioner, Guerra reports directly to Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker

First Deputy Commissioner Guerra joined the department in 1988 as a firefighter for Engine 237 and Ladder 124 in Brooklyn. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1994 and served at Ladder 112 in Brooklyn. In 2002, Chief Guerra was promoted to captain and served on Engine 214 in Brooklyn. In 2019, he was promoted to battalion chief and assigned to Battalion 35. He was recognized for bravery four times during his career.

Guerra served as Executive Officer to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and as Executive Officer of the FDNY Ceremonial Unit. Guerra holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Manhattan College, a Juris Doctor from St. John’s Law and is a graduate of the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute. Guerra is a member of the FDNY Hispanic Society.

About Department Head John M. Esposito
Chief Esposito has 34 years of professional experience and most recently served as an incident commander, where he oversaw the daily work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire marshals, as well as dozens of senior chiefs of staff, deputy chiefs, and battalion chiefs.

Prior to his appointment as Chief of Operations, Chief Esposito served as Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included directing rescue, marine and hazardous materials operations.

Chief Esposito joined the department in 1991 and his first assignment was to Engine Company 324 in Queens. As a firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. In 2003, he was promoted to captain and served in Division 13 in Queens and Special Operations Command; In 2005, he was promoted to battalion chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. In 2011, he was promoted to deputy chief and assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan. He later served in Division 3 in Manhattan. In 2017, he was promoted to deputy assistant chief and named chief of the Special Operations Command. In 2020, he was promoted again, this time to Assistant Chief. In 2022, he was promoted to operations manager, where he served until becoming acting department head in June 2024.

He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute, and holds a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chief Esposito also served as Chief of Intelligence and Analysis at the FDNY’s Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness. He is also a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-rise Safety Advisory Board.

About Chief of Operations Kevin F. Woods
Chief Kevin Woods has 34 years of professional experience and most recently served as deputy chief of operations. He assisted the Chief of Operations in overseeing 11,000 firefighters and fire officers, chiefs of staff, deputy chiefs and battalion chiefs.

Chief Woods joined the department in 1990 and was initially assigned to Engine 201 in Brooklyn. In 1999, he was promoted to lieutenant and served with Battalion 48 and Engine 239 in Brooklyn. Chief Woods was promoted to Captain in 2003 and assigned to Division 8 and Engine 233. In 2004, he was promoted to battalion chief and served in Battalion 4 and later Battalion 1 in Manhattan. In 2009, he was promoted to deputy chief and assigned to Division 11.

Chief Woods became Deputy Assistant Chief of the Staten Island Borough Command in 2019 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2021. In 2022, Chief Woods became deputy chief of operations.

He is a graduate of CUNY John Jay with degrees in fire and emergency management, the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute, and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leaders Program.

As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Woods will oversee the daily work of more than 11,000 firefighters, marshals and chiefs, working hand-in-hand with district commanders, city planners and many other areas.

About Deputy Chief of Special Operations Malcolm Moore
Chief Moore has been with the department for 29 years. Chief Moore currently serves as Chief of Special Operations and oversees the department’s highly trained specialized operations units, including Hazmat Operations, Marine Operations, Rescue Operations and Robotics.

Chief Moore joined the department in 1996 and his first assignment was with Engine Company 214 in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2003 and served with Battalion 49 in Queens before being assigned to Ladder Company 136 in Elmhurst. In 2007, he was promoted to captain and assigned to Division 15 in Brooklyn, where he later served as captain of Ladder Company 107 in East New York. In 2013, he was promoted to battalion chief and served in Division 11 before being assigned to Battalion 48. Soon after, he joined the SWAT team as a battalion chief in the rescue battalion. After being promoted to deputy chief in 2019, he served in Detachment 13 in Southern Queens before being assigned as chief of emergency operations. In 2022, he was promoted to deputy assistant chief and named chief of the Special Operations Command.

He is a graduate of SUNY Empire State College, the FDNY Fire Officers Management Institute and the FDNY Mental Performance Initiative.

About Deputy Chief of Operations John A. Sarrocco
Chief Sarrocco has been with the department for 35 years. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief of Operations, Chief Sarrocco served as District Commander in the Bronx.

Chief Sarrocco was appointed in 1990 and assigned first to Engine 206 and then to Engine 332 in Brooklyn. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1999 and served in the 13th Division before being assigned to Engine 236 in Brooklyn in 2001. After being promoted to captain in 2003, Chief Sarrocco worked on Locomotive 260. In 2005, he was promoted to battalion chief. assigned to Battalion 2 and Battalion 1 in Manhattan. In 2016, he was promoted to deputy chief and served in operations and Division 1. In 2021, he was promoted again, this time to deputy deputy chief, and served as Bronx Borough Commander.

As deputy chief of operations, he will assist the chief of operations in overseeing 11,0000 firefighters and fire officers, chiefs of staff, deputy chiefs and battalion chiefs.

Chief Sarrocco is a graduate of Long Island University, the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute, the West Point Combatting Terrorism Leadership Course and the FDNY’s Mental Performance Initiative.