Former New York City Emergency Management Agency Director Joseph Esposito has died after a battle with cancer, Mayor Eric Adams announced late Monday. He was 73 years old.
Esposito most recently worked for Adams as deputy director of the city's Department of Buildings, a job the mayor described as “the definition of public service.”
“He worked hard for his city until the end. And he left it in a better place.” Adams wrote In a statement posted to X.
Esposito's tenure in city government spanned decades, and he faced countless crises, including leading the NYPD's response as director in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
The born and raised Brooklyn resident held that prestigious position with the New York City Police Department from 2000 to 2013. He is widely respected within the department, serving in nearly every uniformed position and even leading the NYPD's response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
In 2014, Esposito became director of the city's Office of Emergency Management. He directed his OEM during the 2016 Chelsea bombing and his 2018 Flatiron steam pipe explosion.
He was fired as emergency management director following the city's response to a paralyzing snowstorm in late 2018.
Mr. Esposito returned to city government in September 2022 when Mayor Adams hired him as Deputy Director of Enforcement in the Department of Buildings.
At the time he was hired by the DOB, Esposito said his top priority was “the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits” the Big Apple.
“Not only have I been friends with Joe Esposito for almost 30 years, he was the very definition of public service,” Adams said. “He served our city through our darkest days and brightest moments, rising from NYPD police officer to chief to New York City Emergency Management Commissioner.”
Adams said a flag will be flown at half staff in his honor on Tuesday.
Esposito was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Christine Esposito.
