Michele Fitzsimmons Becomes Highest-Ranking Woman in FDNY Fire Operations
Photo by Courtesy of New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
Photo by Courtesy of New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
New York, N.Y. — September 25, 2026 — On Thursday, Chief Michele Fitzsimmons set a new precedent for the FDNY by being promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief, making her the most senior woman in the department’s fire operations.
Fitzsimmons became a member of the FDNY in 2001 and has been serving for over 25 years. She has completed five promotional exams and served in various busy firehouses, which helped her rise through the ranks of the department.
She currently holds the position of Chief at the FDNY Fire Academy, managing training and operations at the department’s facility on Randall's Island.
Fitzsimmons stated that her promotion was backed by years of study, experience, and the individuals who supported her during her career. She also gave credit to the hard work needed to move up through the ranks.
Her family has had a long history of firefighting. Her great-grandfather became a member of the FDNY in 1909, and her grandfather followed in 1932. In 2006, her sister became a member of the department.
In 2025, Fitzsimmons made history by becoming the first woman to attain the rank of Deputy Chief in FDNY fire operations. Her most recent promotion elevates her to the position of Deputy Assistant Chief and represents another significant moment in the department’s history.
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