Former FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta dead

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Former FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta has died, announced the New York City Fire Department via social media on Thursday.

He was 83.

Scoppetta served as FDNY commissioner from 2002 to 2010 under Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Before that, Scoppetta was commissioner of the city's child-welfare agency during the administration of Rudolph Giuliani.

Scoppetta also served as deputy mayor and commissioner of investigation.

The cause of death was not immediately released.

Reaction to the news has been pouring in from officials across the city.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nicholas Scoppetta," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Nick was a dedicated and brilliant civil servant whose commitment to public service spanned five administrations and six decades. As the founding Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services, Nick cared deeply for the safety and well-being of our city's foster children. New Yorkers will be forever grateful for his leadership as Fire Commissioner following 9/11, when he led the FDNY through its darkest days. A born and bred New Yorker, Nick's path from his youngest days as a foster child to his distinguished career across City government is an inspiration to all of us. New York City is better today because of Nick Scoppetta, and our heart goes out to his family and friends."

“As Fire Commissioner, Nicholas Scoppetta was instrumental to rebuilding the FDNY during a time of unimaginable loss and devastation. The Department is stronger today thanks to his leadership in the years following September 11th. He was truly a public servant without peer, and we deeply mourn his loss," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.

NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito  issued the following statement soon after the announcement:

"Nicholas Scoppetta had a long career of service to New York City, including eight years as the commissioner of FDNY. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and his friends and family are in my thoughts at this time.”

Tributes have been pouring into social media.