Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons — a 24-year veteran who joined the FDNY a few months before 9/11—  was named Deputy Chief of fire operations at a packed promotion ceremony in Queens.

On Friday, Michele Fitzsimmons became the New York City Fire Department's first female deputy chief. Fitzsimmons, a 24-year veteran of the FDNY, was promoted from battalion chief to deputy chief. Her appointment is said to be highest ranking of female within the department's fire operations.