A Jewish commissioner for the New York City Fire Department announced his resignation on Wednesday, within 24 hours of Zohran Mamdani‘s victory in the city’s mayoral election.
FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker confirmed his departure to the Washington Examiner after the New York Post broke the story.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 35th New York City Fire Commissioner. Thank you to Mayor Adams for his trust and confidence in doing this job,” Tucker said. “It is my intention to resign the office effective Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Between now and then, I will continue to lead the greatest fire department in the world and will ensure an orderly transition.”
After Dec. 19, Mayor Eric Adams will appoint an interim commissioner, whom Mamdani will either keep on or replace with his own pick. Mamdani will be sworn in on Jan. 1.
The official did not provide a reason for his resignation, leaving room for speculation that he’s exiting public service due to Mamdani’s victory Tuesday night.
During his campaign, the democratic socialist mayor-elect expressed anti-Israel views that the local Jewish community condemned as antisemitic amid the two-year Gaza war between Israel and Hamas.
Tucker is scheduled to fly to Israel later on Wednesday to meet with a fellow fire commissioner in the Jewish state, according to the Post.
Mayor Eric Adams thanked Tucker for his service in the fire department since August 2024.
“Commissioner Robert Tucker has led the Fire Department of the City of New York with courage, passion, and a sincere dedication to public safety. When I appointed Commissioner Tucker to this critical role, I knew he’d have the experience, grit, and zeal to protect our city and support our fearless heroes – the firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who put their lives on the line for New York every day,” Adams said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner.
SOCIALIST ZOHRAN MAMDANI WINS NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL RACE AGAINST CUOMO AND SLIWA
“Under his leadership, we’ve decreased fire-related deaths in our city to the lowest in a decade, modernized the FDNY, and empowered the brave men and women who keep our city safe,” the outgoing mayor added. “We are incredibly grateful for Commissioner Tucker’s service and look forward to seeing what he’ll do next.”
After leaving the fire department next month, Tucker will return to leading the private security firm, T&M. The 55-year-old businessman founded the company in 1999 after serving as a special assistant for the Queens District Attorney’s Office.