John James McElligott (August 25, 1882 – September 6, 1946) was appointed the 12th New York City Fire Commissioner by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia on January 1, 1934.
Biography
McElligott announced his retirement from his position on February 23, 1940. Mayor LaGuardia initially appointed Elmer Mustard as Fire Commissioner. However, the next day, Mayor LaGuardia declared McElligott's resignation "null and void," and on February 27, 1940, McElligott resumed his role as Fire Commissioner. He continued in this position until he was removed by LaGuardia due to a corruption scandal on May 8, 1941.[1] McElligott died on September 6, 1946, at Saint Clare's Hospital in Manhattan.[2] His funeral mass was held at Saint Patrick's Cathedral with Cardinal Francis Spellman in attendance.[3]
References
- ^ "Walsh Takes Over As City Fire Head. New Commissioner Pledges His 'better-than-best' As Mayor Wishes Him Good Luck". New York Times. May 11, 1941. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
- ^ "John J. M'Elligott Dies In Hospital, 64. Fire Department Veteran Was First To Be Commissioner And Chief At One Time. Former Post 7 Years. Ousted By La Guardia In 1941, He Then Joined Todd Corp. Won Many Citations. Drew Up Defense Plan La Guardia Appointed Him. Gave "double-nine" Alarm". New York Times. September 7, 1946. Retrieved 2010-03-27.
- ^ "M'Elligott Rites Attended By 2,500. Spellman, La Guardia, O'Brien Among Notables at Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral". New York Times. September 10, 1946. Retrieved 2010-03-27.