FIREFIGHTER NICHOLAS WELCH
Ladder 123
1. What is your name, title and years at FDNY? Where are you currently assigned, and what are your work-related responsibilities?
My name is Nicholas Welch. I started my firefighting career with the FDNY in 2013, and I’m currently assigned to Ladder 123 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. My responsibility as a firefighter is to serve the people of New York City whenever they call. No matter what time of day and what type of incident it is, big or small, my job is to get there as quickly as possible and solve the problem.
2. What called you to a life of public service at FDNY?
I’m the first in my family to join the FDNY. I remember when I was a kid living in Brooklyn, my dad would take me to visit the local firehouse. I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do when I grew up. As I got older, I followed the path to become a New York City firefighter by first joining the FDNY Explorers program and then becoming an FDNY EMT. I later took a promotional exam, and now today, I’m a New York City firefighter.
3. Can you share one of your most memorable moments while working at FDNY?
My most memorable moment in the FDNY was walking across the stage at Proby School graduation knowing I’d accomplished my childhood dream—and that being said, I will always try my best to motivate anyone to never give up and to follow their dreams.
4. What does We Are FDNY mean to you?
What We Are FDNY means to me is that we are one big family with different tasks, and we all work together as a team to get the job done.
I’ve met a lot of people on this job whose experience and good advice have served as a mentor for me to become an even better person in life. They have helped me become the sharp, humble and motivated firefighter that I am today.
5. What is your superpower (best quality or skill)?
I feel that my superpower is being able to train and come up with training scenarios that will help fellow members become even better firefighters and be better prepared to operate when the bell goes off and put that training to use.
6. How does your role support the public safety mission of the FDNY?
My role is to protect the life and property of the people in New York City.
When I put this uniform on, I wear it with pride. That motivates me to get on the rig and fulfill my tasks as a firefighter to the best of my ability. I will give all that I’ve got to make someone’s day better, and I will continue to get on that rig and keep that positive drive going.