What started as a regular shopping day at a Brooklyn mall ended up as history in the making for FDNY sisters Kinga and Daiana Mielnik. In 2005, Daiana joined Kinga as a New York City Firefighter and together, they made Department history. Now, they’re making history again as the first sisters to advance their careers to the rank of Fire Marshal.
“We were in Kings Plaza in 2002 and there was a recruitment table posted outside one of the stores. We spoke with a recruiter and decided to sign up for the Firefighter Exam,” Daiana recalled.
“I was an EMT at the time and Daiana was in college. I joined in 2003 and she joined the Department a few years after me,” added Kinga.
Flash forward to present day and the siblings are serving the city in their new ranks while helping to inspire young women to pursue a career in fire suppression.
“I spent 18 years as a Firefighter, and I loved it. In September 2021, I became a Fire Marshal to take advantage of the promotional opportunities offered by the Department and attain more skills. The Academy was a splendid learning experience. The instructors were very knowledgeable and my peers were an exceptional group to work with. After the Academy, we were given mentors who have been really supportive and encouraging. The Department has been a great place to work, but working alongside my sister makes me feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world,” said Kinga.
“I was a Firefighter since 2005 and it has been a wonderful experience. I am excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to trying something different in my position as a Fire Marshal. I spent some time dispatching while raising my young children, so that made the timing just right. It allowed us to work together from time to time and it’s been incredible. We trained together, we encouraged each other and we pushed each other every step of the way,” Daiana added.
This career path is a promotional opportunity for New York City Firefighters. Learn how you can work in our Firefighter career today by clicking here.
