Our recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 kicks-off today with a spotlight on Firefighter Jairo Sosa, who serves at Ladder 34 in Washington Heights.
“I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Washington Heights and to be able to now work as a Firefighter in this community is a dream come true for me,” said Sosa. “Every day in this career is different and we’re here to help people in their time of need and make sure the community stays safe. Working here is unlike working in any other career. We look out for each other and my co-workers are my brothers and sisters. If you are on the path to get this job, don’t quit. No matter what anyone says or where you’re from, you can do it as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.”
On September 29, 2020, Sosa helped to save a five-year-old child and another individual from the sixth-floor of a burning Washington Heights building during a roof-rope rescue. He was honored for his heroism at our 2021 Medal Day ceremony in June. Learn more about his rescue here.
