Incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ignited a wave of controversy with his recent decision to appoint a new head of the FDNY who lacks traditional firefighting experience.

Lillian Bonsignore is set to take over as the Fire Commissioner on January 1, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first openly gay fire chief and only the second woman ever to hold this position within the department.

Despite the uproar, Bonsignore is not a stranger to the FDNY. She boasts over three decades of service with the department and currently holds the title of the highest-ranking uniformed woman in the agency.

Her most recent role was as the Chief of EMS Operations, a position she held from 2019 to 2020, where she earned a reputation as a respected leader within the FDNY’s EMS division.

Bonsignore’s leadership style has been likened to that of New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who will continue her role under Mamdani’s administration, as per a report from ABC 7.

However her lack of experience as a firefighter has led to major criticism from MAGA supporters, including Elon Musk.

‘People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake,’ the Tesla owner raged on his social media platform, X. 

Texas Senator Ted Cruz also poked fun at the appointment, writing: ‘A great idea! Unless there’s a fire…’ 

Mamdani admitted Bonsignore has no direct firefighting experience but praised her as a ‘trailblazer for the LGBTQ community’ who will serve as ‘the FDNY’s first openly gay commissioner’. 

He hit back at the critics, writing: ‘Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS. You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?’ 

Bonsignore’s colleague, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Ischol, also leapt to her defense, condemning those who criticized her as ‘reprehensible’. 

‘I have worked directly with Chief Lillian Bonsignore and find the lies being told about her experience to be reprehensible, as they sow mistrust in someone New Yorkers need to feel comfortable with,’ Ischol wrote on X. 

‘Chief Bonsignore is one of the most competent, experienced, and respected city leaders. 

‘She steps into this role with 31 years of experience and the respect of her department, including the rank and file. I’d follow her anywhere. 

‘I’m looking forward to working with her again and will sleep better knowing she’s at the helm of NYC’s bravest, FDNY.’

The Daily Mail has contacted Mamdani and Bonsignore for comment.

Bonsignore began her career working as an EMT, before becoming lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. 

She was part of the response to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and has used her position to advocate for increased pay for EMS workers. 

She served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022 during the COVID pandemic. 

‘She was the highest-ranking Officer in the EMS command, the highest-ranking uniformed female in FDNY and the first female to achieve a 4-star rank in the history of FDNY,’ her profile on Responder Resilience states.

Latterly she has held a role as a senior advisor for Cambridge Consulting Group. 

Despite her resume, many online commenters agreed with Musk and Cruz’s concerns.

‘That’s like having a lifeguard who can’t swim,’ one person wrote on X.

‘This is ridiculous. You can not command a fire department if you never did the job. Their union should grieve this. The public will support them,’ another added.

‘The appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as Fire Commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York is not just baffling. It is infuriating. And most importantly, it is life-threateningly DANGEROUS,’ a third agreed.