Commissioner Cassano, 45 Years of Service

FDNY Foundation Congratulations Commissioner Salvatore Cassano on 45 Years of Service to the FDNY

The Board of Directors of the FDNY Foundation sends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, the 32nd Fire Commissioner of New York City.

Commissioner Cassano has held every uniformed rank and headed the world’s largest fire department.

“It is a testament to Commissioner Cassano’s devotion to the department that hundreds of FDNY staff gathered as he walked out of FDNY Headquarters for the last time as Fire Commissioner,” said FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen Ruzow. “We are so grateful for his years of service and for his dedication to protecting the lives of the people who live in, work in and visit this great city.”

Commissioner Cassano worked together with the FDNY Foundation to help distribute thousands of free smoke alarms and nearly 100 thousand batteries in neighborhoods across the city last year alone.

“Commissioner Cassano saw the fewest civilian fire deaths on record since the city began recording the statistic,” said Executive Director Jean O’Shea. “We shared his vision to better train and equip firefighters to help achieve those record lows, and to spread fire and life safety education across the city.”

Commissioner Cassano was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Jan. 1, 2010. He had previously served as the FDNY’s Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed officer, from 2006-2010. From 2001-2006, he served as Chief of Operations – a position he was appointed to immediately after Sept. 11, 2001.

Commissioner Cassano’s career with the FDNY began with his appointment as a firefighter on Nov. 29, 1969.