FDNY chiefs Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco arrested in FBI investigation

Two former New York City Fire Department chiefs are the latest high-ranking city officials named in a series of federal investigations into Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, former heads of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and both retired, were arrested on bribery, corruption and false statements charges. According to court documents, they solicited and received those bribes from 2021 to 2023.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention Chiefs regulates the installation of fire protection and suppression systems throughout the city and ensures that fire safety regulations are followed throughout New York.

“By allegedly selling priority access to BFP services critical to protecting New York City businesses and homes from fire accidents, Saccavino and Cordasco undermined the public trust and placed their own greed above the interests of the taxpayers they are sworn to serve,” said Damian Williams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Robert Tsigler, founding attorney of the firm representing Saccavino, said the allegations against the former chief contradict Saccavino's lifelong commitment to the fire department.

“Chief Saccavino has been a lifelong public servant and dedicated his life to the FDNY,” Tsigler said. “We want the truth to come out, and we believe it will come out at the right time and in the right form.”