Joann Diaz Makes History as First Latina Fire Lieutenant

“As a child, I remember seeing the play, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ off-Broadway and the song, ‘Anything You Can Do,’ by Irving Berlin has always stayed with me. I grew up admiring women who defied the odds and felt I was destined to do the same. Along with the excitement of facing unknown challenges, I became interested in joining the FDNY when I noticed there was little to no female representation. I joined the FDNY because I wanted to demonstrate to my peers that women can serve here and I wanted to inspire other women to join the FDNY,” said Lieutenant Joann Diaz, who made history today as the first Latina to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant during our Fire Officers Promotion Ceremony in Brooklyn. “I have been a Firefighter for 18 years and assigned to Engine 79 my entire career. The camaraderie that I have experienced as a member of the Department and being the first Hispanic female to be promoted to Lieutenant is a dream come true. I am grateful to all the support from my family, my brothers of Engine 79/Ladder 37/Battalion 27 and mentors. I am humbled to have been promoted and I am committed, without reservation, to work tirelessly to continue the FDNY tradition of service, leadership and sacrifice.”

View more photos from today’s ceremony here. Meet more FDNY women who recently made history here.