Joseph Pfeifer has been removed from his role as FDNY second man by the department’s new fire commissioner, who is just days into the job, sources told the Daily News.
Robert Tucker was appointed commissioner on Monday and City Hall expressed support for any personnel changes he wants to make in a statement Saturday.
“As every commissioner before him has done, Commissioner Tucker will build a staff that will advance his and the administration’s vision for the FDNY,” a City Hall spokeswoman said.
Pfeifer’s tenure as first deputy commissioner, which lasted a little over a year, was marked by internal strife stemming in part from what chiefs of staff at the time described as a studious dismissal of their concerns.
Breezy Point, Queens
Todd Maisel/New York Daily News FDNY Chief Joseph Pfeifer consults with other firefighters as he battles the fire on the night of October 29, 2012.
The FDNY 9/11 hero had been pulled out of retirement by former Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, who left her post earlier this summer after repeatedly butting heads with some of the department’s senior officials.
“The heart of the FDNY is the ability to join efforts to solve complex problems in the face of great tragedy,” Pfeifer said at the time. “Our united team is a sign of resilience to reflect on the past and envision the future so we can improve the present.”
Luiz C. Ribeiro for the New York Daily News
Robert Tucker, the 35th Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
Pfeifer was originally tapped for the post to ease regular and field concerns about Kavanagh’s ability to lead the department successfully, sources said.
The next step will have department heads and managers closely monitoring who Tucker handpicks to shape the department’s new top leadership.
“The department will announce all leadership changes when they are officially made,” City Hall said in a statement.
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