New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker ’96 to Deliver Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University 2025 Commencement Address

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that distinguished alumnus New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker will deliver the Law School’s commencement address at its 47th Commencement Ceremony, to be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens on May 20. Commissioner Tucker will also receive the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, the highest honor conferred by the Law School, recognizing his lifelong contributions to public service, public safety, and the legal profession.

“Robert S. Tucker has had an illustrious career as a prosecutor and public servant, and in his current position as New York City’s Fire Commissioner,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “He has made significant contributions to the Law School and the legal profession for three decades. His impact on Haub Law shows in many ways, including as the benefactor of the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence. His example highlights the opportunities available to those who use their legal education to pursue their passions and make an impact on society. We couldn’t be more pleased that Commissioner Tucker will join us as the Law School’s 2025 Commencement Speaker, imparting his advice to our students as they take the next step in their legal careers.”

"Commissioner Tucker's example highlights the opportunities available to those who use their legal education to pursue their passions and make an impact on society."

Commissioner Tucker, a 1996 graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was sworn in as the 35th Commissioner of the Fire Department of New York City in August 2024. He brought decades of public safety experience to the FDNY, previously serving as a special assistant to the Queens County District Attorney, and then as chairman and CEO of T&M Protection Resources, a globally recognized leader in security solutions and cyber intelligence. As Fire Commissioner, Tucker oversees the day-to-day administration of the agency’s 17,000 employees and a $2 billion budget.

Among his many professional, civic and philanthropic affiliations, Commissioner Tucker serves on the Board of Directors of the FDNY Foundation, and he was an honorary fire commissioner. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and treasurer of the New York City Police Foundation and as an honorary police commissioner, as well as past president of the Associated Licensed Detectives of New York state. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of White Plains Hospital and a former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Metro Chapter.

Commissioner Tucker served on Pace University’s Board of Trustees from 2018 until 2024 and has had a deep connection to his alma mater. In 2017, through his generous support, Haub Law established the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence. This honor is awarded annually to an individual or a group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of criminal prosecution and who demonstrate excellence in prosecutorial practice. Honorees are selected by a jury comprised of former prosecutors and faculty members from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and recognized at a ceremony attended by District Attorneys from across the region and state, civic leaders, members of the judiciary, New York City government and the Haub Law community.

Of the prestigious award, Commissioner Tucker says, “It has been my privilege to recognize outstanding public servants who are committed to pursuing justice with integrity despite the many challenges they are faced with. These individuals are shining examples in our legal system who deserve to be acknowledged for their tireless efforts prosecuting criminals and keeping our communities safe.”

A lifelong New Yorker, Commissioner Tucker grew up in Manhattan chasing fire trucks on his bicycle, as he tells it. He attended George Washington University, then went to Haub Law at night while working as a special assistant to the late Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. That gave him the opportunity to collaborate with high-level members of the New York City Police Department and the New York City administration, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Commissioner Tucker has said his service as Fire Commissioner is the fulfillment of a life-long dream, and an “opportunity to apply so many of the lessons I learned at Pace.”

The 2025 Commencement Ceremony for the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University will be live-streamed at 9:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, May 20, from Louis Armstrong Stadium, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. For more information, visit the Law School’s commencement website.