Speculation over new OEM head

The shock ouster of the head of Emergency Management sent a few tremors through the NYPD, who feared Mayor de Blasio would tap the FDNY’s hard-charging chief of department to pick up the reins.

As news swirled Monday that Office of Emergency Management head Joseph Esposito got the ax, two other agencies were abuzz with gossip the FDNY’s top uniformed officer, James Leonard (photo) would also soon be moving on — raising concerns he’d be given a soft landing at OEM.

According to a law enforcement source, senior staff in both the FDNY and NYPD heard chatter about Chief of Department Leonard’s apparent dislike of First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and his alleged rough treatment of some of his chiefs — and how his time at the agency might be coming to an end.

Some speculated he might be tapped to take over OEM from Esposito, but some insiders hoped that wasn’t the case because of his reputation for raising his voice.

“Many are hoping he doesn’t become the OEM chief,” said one source. “They don’t like him too much.”

Leonard, 59, has come under FDNY scrutiny amid allegations he has butted heads with Kavanagh and ordered other chiefs to freeze her out.

Sources told The News Leonard’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” managerial style had demoralized the staff, and many walked on tenterhooks around him to avoid sparking his temper.

The FDNY on Monday didn’t respond to questions about allegations of a power struggle within the agency’s top tier but said it was taking a close look at the situation.

“The matter has been referred to the Law Department for review,” an FDNY spokesman said.