In recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re catching up with four special ladies who made history in our Department almost 10 years ago when they graduated from our Fire Academy. Meet Firefighters Sarina Olmo, Joy Flores, Sophy Medina and Jennifer Quinones, also known as “The Latina Four.” Before joining fire suppression, Olmo and Quinones also helped to save lives throughout our city as members of our EMS.
JoinFDNY.com: How has your life changed since you graduated from ‘Probie’ School?
SO: When I graduated from the Academy, I was a young woman embarking upon a new career within the New York City Fire Department. Now, almost a decade later, I’m more proud than ever to be a part of this great family. For me, every day is an opportunity to learn and improve in the career that I love. Becoming a Firefighter has been the most rewarding experience for me and I have the opportunity to bring hope to people in their most dire situations. There’s no better feeling than helping those in need.
JoinFDNY.com: How do you feel when you hear that you’re an inspiration to young women?
SO: It’s special because it’s so important for young people to see positive role models who are giving back to their community. I want to continue to be the example today of what they can become tomorrow.
JoinFDNY.com: How has your life changed since you graduated from ‘Probie’ School?
JF: Since graduating, I got married, gave birth to a baby boy and I was promoted in the Army National Guard to Captain and I was deployed to Kuwait. I’ve also gained knowledge and experience in responding to various emergencies, as well as developed stronger friendships and camaraderie with my co-workers.
JoinFDNY.com: How do you feel when you hear that you’re an inspiration to young women?
JF: Being an inspiration to others is very humbling and a great responsibility. It drives me to be the best that I can be and continue to help others who aspire to become firefighters. I really try to just pay it forward and honor those who mentored me.
JoinFDNY.com: How has your life changed since you graduated from ‘Probie’ School?
SM: Meeting my fiance and starting a family has been the biggest and best change since I graduated from the Academy. In this profession, I’ve also learned to take everything as a life lesson.
JoinFDNY.com: How do you feel when you hear that you’re an inspiration to young women?
SM: I feel great knowing that I can inspire young women to become a Firefighter or even think that they have it within themselves to pursue any career they desire. When girls see me at work, I hope they in turn see themselves working hard to overcome any obstacles and I want them to know that I’m rooting for them.
JoinFDNY.com: How has your life changed since you graduated from ‘Probie’ School?
JQ: Since graduating from the Academy, I’ve grown as an individual and my life has been positively influenced by experiences in and out of the Fire Department. I’m also grateful for the second family that I’ve acquired when joining the FDNY. It truly is a brotherhood and sisterhood. I also feel like a more confident and well-rounded Firefighter thanks to working with and learning from other members who are passionate and knowledgeable about this career.
JoinFDNY.com: How do you feel when you hear that you’re an inspiration to young women?
JQ: I feel very proud and humbled to be an inspiration to young women out here. Serving as a Firefighter is very rewarding and it requires hard work, determination and proper training and it’s all worth it because this is one of the greatest careers in the world.
