Union Chief New Fire Commssioner

Sun., March 31, 1996

Associated Press

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani chose the head of the firefighters union Friday as the city’s new fire commissioner.

Thomas Von Essen is a 26-year veteran of battling fires, and has headed the 8,700-member Uniformed Firefighters Association for the past three years.

He replaces Howard Safir, who was named Thursday to replace Police Commissioner William Bratton.

Bratton is resigning to take a job in the security business.

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Union Chief New Fire Commssioner

Jesse Tinsley

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Molly Quinn

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