New chief of department for Bravest

A firefighter with 33 years in the FDNY officially became the agency’s chief of department Wednesday, taking over for his sidelined predecessor James Leonard, who has retired.

Chief John Sudnik rose to the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY in an interim capacity in December — stepping into the role to replace Leonard, who was relieved of his duties pending a city reA view of accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior.

Leonard (photo) had 39 years on the job and was known for his sharp tongue inside FDNY’s Brooklyn headquarters. The 59-year-old was ousted in early December after the Daily News broke the story of his involvement in a political power struggle inside 9 Metrotech — fueled in part by Leonard’s allegedly brash and aggressive behavior.

FDNY Commissioner Dan Nigro praised Sudnik’s “strong, exceptional leadership” over the years when he announced the formal promotion.

He also announced that FDNY officer Thomas Richardson would be moving up to fill Sudnik’s prior spot as chief of fire operations.

“I am confident they will work hard to further improve our Fire and EMS operations, while ensuring the safety of the brave men and women under their command who selflessly serve our city,” Nigro said.

Sudnik, who joined the FDNY in 1985, will now oversee 16,000 firefighters and EMS personnel. His first assignment was at Engine Co. 23 in Midtown until his promotion to lieutenant in 1994, when he was transferred to Engine Co. 235 in BedfordStuyvesant.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Sudnik, then a captain, responded to the World Trade Center from FDNY headquarters. Five days later, Sudnik was promoted to battalion chief following the deaths of 343 department members.

Richardson, a 38-year-veteran, joined the FDNY in 1980 and started at Engine Co. 227 in Brooklyn.