Tommy Richardson, a 40-year FDNY veteran, has been appointed as the department's top uniformed officer.
Richardson, the department's chief of fire operations, takes over for Chief of Department John Sudnik, who is stepping back to take a more administrative role as he nears retirement, and Assistant Chief John Hodgens will take on Richardson's former role, the New York Daily News reports. Richardson and Hodgens were sworn in during a ceremony Thursday.
“From the time I was a young teenager, all I wanted to be was a New York City firefighter,” Richardson told the News. “When I’m walking down the halls and people ask me how I’m doing, I tell them, ‘I’m living the dream.’ And that’s the truth.”
Richardson started at the FDNY in 1980 with Engine Co. 227 in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. He has been cited for bravery six times, which includes a 1989 call when he was lowered down the side of a burning building to rescue a trapped teen.
Hodgens has been with the FDNY since 1986 and began with Manhattan's Ladder Co. 11. He's been cited for bravery twice, and his father was chief of fire prevention until 1997.
In his new role, Richardson intends to visit stations throughout the city to see what individual firefighters are experiencing during their shifts daily.
“I believe very strongly with communication with the boots on the ground, those riding in the fire trucks and in the ambulances,” he said. “I want them to understand that headquarters supports those working in the field.”
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro had praise for both firefighters.
“Together, their leadership will ensure the safety of the more than 8 million New Yorkers our department is sworn to protect, and the members of the FDNY who bravely serve our city each day,” he said.
