The FDNY Foundation Congratulates new FDNY COD John Sudnik and new COO Thomas J. Richardson

On Wednesday, February 27, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro appointed John Sudnik as Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the department and Thomas J. Richardson as Chief of Operations, the second highest-ranking position in the department.

Chief Sudnik is a 33-year veteran of the FDNY who previously served as the Chief of Fire Operations since 2001. In his new role, Chief Sudnik will oversee the Department’s 16,000 uniformed Firefighters and EMS personnel and four major agency Bureaus: Fire Operations, EMS Operations, Training and Fire Prevention. “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,” said Chief Sudnik. “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. He has been with the department since 1985.

Chief Richardson is a 38-year veteran of the FDNY. He previously served as Chief of Training since 2017. As Chief of Fire Operations, Chief Richardson will oversee the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 Firefighters, Fire Officers and Chiefs. He will also oversee the Department’s highly trained special units, including the Special Operations Command. He has been with the department since 1980.