Carlos M. Rivera
Carlos M. Rivera (born 1934) is the first Hispanic commissioner in the New York City Fire Department's 127-year history.[1] He was appointed the 27th Fire Commissioner[2] of the City of New York by Mayor David N. Dinkins on January 1, 1990 and served in that position until his resignation on August 31, 1993.[3][4]
Carlos M. Rivera | |
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Born | 1934 |
Nationality | Puerto Rican/American |
Occupation | FDNY Commissioner 1990-1993 |
Spouse(s) | Joan Rivera |
Career
Rivera's parents moved from Puerto Rico to New York City, where he was born, in the early 1930s. There Rivera received his primary and secondary education. He joined the New York City Fire Department in 1958 and worked his way up in the department serving in various leadership positions. On January 1, 1990, New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins named Rivera the 27th commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. As commissioner he was responsible for that departments $634 million budget. He was also responsible for the 11,500 firefighters under his command.[5]
Rivera resigned on August 31, 1993, stating that "Family reasons and health considerations" was the reason for his decision. However, it is believed that Rivera was under pressure from the moment he was appointed, in December 1989, as the Dinkins administration tried to hold down costs citywide.[6]
References
- Rivera to Quit Top Position In Fire Dept
- Weikart, Lynne A. (2009), Follow the money: who controls New York City mayors?, SUNY Press, ISBN 978-1-4384-2531-3
- "Chips Off an Old Bloc - New York Times". Nytimes.com. 1993-09-03. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- Manegold, Catherine S. (1993-10-19). "Giuliani Accuses Dinkins Of a 'Surrender' on Drugs - NYTimes.com". New York City: Select.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ["Tras las Huellas de Nuestro Paso", publisher: Asociacion de Empleados Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico.
- New York Times
Fire appointments | ||
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Preceded by Joseph F. Bruno |
FDNY Commissioner 1990–1993 |
Succeeded by William M. Feehan |