The Leadership Crucible Podcast Leading the FDNY: Chief John Esposito on High Stakes Leadership in New York City
Jan 8, 2026
50:23
Leading the FDNY isn’t just a job—it’s a constant test of judgment, consistency, and character. In this episode of The Leadership Crucible Podcast, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Chief John Esposito, Acting Chief of Department for the New York City Fire Department, to explore what high-stakes leadership looks like inside the most iconic fire service organization in the world.With more than three decades rising through the ranks—from engine companies in Queens to Special Operations in Manhattan—Chief Esposito oversees more than 14,000 uniformed members in a city where every decision is scrutinized and the pressure never lets up. He shares how consistency builds trust in massive organizations, why culture is shaped by what leaders tolerate, and how the FDNY honors its historic legacy while still evolving tactics, training, and technology.
From command-level accountability and crisis decision-making to caring for firefighters and EMTs as family, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to lead people who risk everything—every single day.Whether you’re a first responder, a public-sector leader, or anyone responsible for others in high-pressure environments, this episode delivers timeless lessons on trust, steadiness, and leadership at scale.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Trailer: Leadership at the Highest Level in NYC
00:55 – What the Chief of Department Role Really Entails
02:54 – Leading 14,000+ Members Across Fire & EMS
03:31 – Why FDNY Faces Unique Operational Challenges
04:07 – Consistency as the Foundation of Trust
06:45 – Representing the FDNY Brand On and Off Duty
08:06 – The Role of Mentorship in Esposito’s Leadership Journey
10:25 – Staying Calm When There Are No Easy Answers
11:48 – Discipline, Accountability, and Fair Application of Policy
13:20 – The Challenge of Communicating Across a Massive Organization
14:12 – Honoring Tradition While Evolving Tactics & Technology
16:59 – Innovation, High-Rise Risk, and Fireground Data
18:54 – Why Trust Is Non-Negotiable in Firehouse Culture
22:25 – Leadership Tested During Crisis Moments
24:19 – Family, Care, and Showing Up for Your People
25:25 – Managing Pressure and Avoiding Burnout at the Top
28:43 – Culture, Probies, and Building a Winning Organization
30:38 – Teaching the Next Generation of FDNY Leaders
33:49 – Making the Hard Decisions Leaders Don’t Want to Make
35:21 – Accountability Starts at the Top
37:49 – When Leadership Conflicts With Personal Beliefs
42:07 – Budget Pressure, Resources, and Public Safety Reality
45:45 – The Legacy Chief Esposito Hopes to Leave
49:21 – Closing Reflections on Leadership and Service
ABOUT CHIEF ESPOSITO:
Chief Esposito began his career with the Department in 1991 and most recently served as Chief of Operations, where he oversaw the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire officers, as well as dozens of high-ranking Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.Previous to his appointment as Chief of Operations, Chief Esposito was the Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included leading Rescue Marine, Hazardous Material Operations, and the FDNY Robotics Unit.His first assignment in 1991 was at Engine Company 324 in Queens. As a firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and worked Division 13 in Queens and in the Special Operations Command; in 2005 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. In 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan, and later served in Division 3 in Manhattan. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief of Operations, where he served until becoming Acting Chief of Department in June 2024.He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and has a Master's Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chief Esposito has also served as the Intelligence and Analysis Section Chief at the FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness. He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Chief John Esposito | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-esposito-830aa112/)
- FDNY | Web (https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/)
- FDNY | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fdny/)
- FDNY | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FDNY)
- FDNY | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/)
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)
CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)
MUSIC CREDITS:
- You Were There Instrumental - CHPTRS (MB01GWD6NYA7CYS)
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)
From command-level accountability and crisis decision-making to caring for firefighters and EMTs as family, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to lead people who risk everything—every single day.Whether you’re a first responder, a public-sector leader, or anyone responsible for others in high-pressure environments, this episode delivers timeless lessons on trust, steadiness, and leadership at scale.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Trailer: Leadership at the Highest Level in NYC
00:55 – What the Chief of Department Role Really Entails
02:54 – Leading 14,000+ Members Across Fire & EMS
03:31 – Why FDNY Faces Unique Operational Challenges
04:07 – Consistency as the Foundation of Trust
06:45 – Representing the FDNY Brand On and Off Duty
08:06 – The Role of Mentorship in Esposito’s Leadership Journey
10:25 – Staying Calm When There Are No Easy Answers
11:48 – Discipline, Accountability, and Fair Application of Policy
13:20 – The Challenge of Communicating Across a Massive Organization
14:12 – Honoring Tradition While Evolving Tactics & Technology
16:59 – Innovation, High-Rise Risk, and Fireground Data
18:54 – Why Trust Is Non-Negotiable in Firehouse Culture
22:25 – Leadership Tested During Crisis Moments
24:19 – Family, Care, and Showing Up for Your People
25:25 – Managing Pressure and Avoiding Burnout at the Top
28:43 – Culture, Probies, and Building a Winning Organization
30:38 – Teaching the Next Generation of FDNY Leaders
33:49 – Making the Hard Decisions Leaders Don’t Want to Make
35:21 – Accountability Starts at the Top
37:49 – When Leadership Conflicts With Personal Beliefs
42:07 – Budget Pressure, Resources, and Public Safety Reality
45:45 – The Legacy Chief Esposito Hopes to Leave
49:21 – Closing Reflections on Leadership and Service
ABOUT CHIEF ESPOSITO:
Chief Esposito began his career with the Department in 1991 and most recently served as Chief of Operations, where he oversaw the day-to-day work of more than 11,000 firefighters and fire officers, as well as dozens of high-ranking Staff Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Battalion Chiefs.Previous to his appointment as Chief of Operations, Chief Esposito was the Chief of Special Operations Command, where his responsibilities included leading Rescue Marine, Hazardous Material Operations, and the FDNY Robotics Unit.His first assignment in 1991 was at Engine Company 324 in Queens. As a firefighter, he was also assigned to Engine Company 47 and Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and returned to Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and worked Division 13 in Queens and in the Special Operations Command; in 2005 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and served in Battalion 13 and later Battalion 11 in Manhattan. In 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Division 1 in Manhattan, and later served in Division 3 in Manhattan. In 2017, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Chief and named Chief of Special Operations Command. In 2020, he was promoted once again, this time to Assistant Chief. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief of Operations, where he served until becoming Acting Chief of Department in June 2024.He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, the FDNY's Fire Officers Management Institute, and has a Master's Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chief Esposito has also served as the Intelligence and Analysis Section Chief at the FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness. He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) High-Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Chief John Esposito | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-esposito-830aa112/)
- FDNY | Web (https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/)
- FDNY | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fdny/)
- FDNY | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FDNY)
- FDNY | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-city-fire-department/)
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:
- YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theleadershipcrucible)
- Apple Podcasts (https://tinyurl.com/5f2mxvfj)
- Spotify (https://tinyurl.com/5xvp5wyu)
CONNECT WITH US:
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Web (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theleadershipcruciblefoundation)
- The Leadership Crucible Foundation | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leadership-crucible-foundation/)
- Chief Bruegman | Instagram (https://instagram.com/chiefbruegman)
- Leaders of Tomorrow Podcast (https://www.theleadershipcruciblefoundation.org/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast)
MUSIC CREDITS:
- You Were There Instrumental - CHPTRS (MB01GWD6NYA7CYS)
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- This Is The Good Life (Instrumental) - MOONWATER (MB01CTIIAZV80UU)