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September 19, 2022Firefighter Chan Talks Being an Inspiration to New Yorkers
September 28, 2022“Working for FDNY EMS allows me to be a resource for the community. This uniform exemplifies respect, duty, and preparedness through the commitment of those before me who have sacrificed a great deal,” said Station 4 Rescue Paramedic Natalia Alzate, who joined the Department in 2015. Most recently, she was part of the historic all-women team sent to compete in the 2022 Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) Conference and Expo in Indiana in April.
Born in Manizales, Colombia and raised in Washington Heights, Alzate credits her mentors, retired Rescue Paramedic Donald Faeth and Rescue Paramedic Cristina Oliver of Station 10, as well as her family values that were taught to her at a young age for her continued success within the FDNY.
“Being a first generation born immigrant, it has been instilled in me that hard work, perseverance, and community are needed to be successful in any aspect of life,” Alzate explained. “I consider myself very fortunate to have integrated into a circle of peers that I can share emotional connections with, offer support, and prioritize similar values like health advocacy. Being Latina allows me the knowledge of culture, folklore, and how it plays an important role in health literacy, in hopes of bridging the gap within my community in order to achieve wellness.”
“Take advantage of all the training opportunities the FDNY provides,” Alzate added. “You have control of what you want your experience to be. Challenge yourself, invest in yourself, and aspire to make the best of every day.”
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