Maritza Arboleda
Fire protection inspector, Bureau of Fire Prevention
1. Please introduce yourself—your name, your title and the year you joined the FDNY.
My name is Maritza Arboleda. I joined FDNY in 2018, and I am a fire protection inspector.
2. Where are you currently assigned, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am assigned to District Office 14 in Fort Totten; my main responsibilities are to ensure that buildings and properties comply with fire safety laws and regulations. I inspect buildings and facilities, check fire safety systems, verify permits for hazardous material, issue violations and summons when fire codes are not being met and ensure corrective action is taken. I review building plans and alterations and, most importantly, educate the public about fire safety.
3. What inspired you to choose a life of public service with the FDNY?
I was inspired to join the FDNY by my husband, a proud Local 638 steamfitter. For more than 22 years, I’ve seen the brotherhood, pride and stability his career has given him. I wanted the same: a career, built on purpose, where I could grow, serve my community and create a lasting legacy for my children. The FDNY offers that balance of service, pride and stability that I value.
4. Can you share one of your most memorable moments on the job?
One of my most memorable moments was during the academy at “Firefighter for a Day.” We were told to climb onto a burning building in full bunker gear, and I was terrified. A chief noticed my fear and said, “We’ll do it together.” He geared up, took my hand, and led me straight into the fire. It was his calm voice and steady presence that got me through that moment. Since that day, he’s helped me believe in strength I never knew I had—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
5. When you hear the words “We Are FDNY,” what does that mean to you?
“We Are FDNY” means everyone in the agency works together to protect lives and serve the city, no matter their rank or specific role. It expresses a sense of belonging, loyalty and tradition, pride, strength and purpose. It represents unity and defines this Department.
6. What would you say is your “superpower”—a strength or skill you bring to your work?
I believe my superpower is empathy. My life experiences have shaped me into someone who is patient, compassionate and considerate of others. My faith inspires me to help, motivate and serve those in need, and I try to live by that every day at work. It’s deeply fulfilling to educate, assist and protect while showing kindness and understanding, whether with coworkers or with members of the public. Everyone has a story and has faced challenges, and keeping that in mind helps me see the world differently. I’ve built strong friendships at work because people know I genuinely care about their well-being and feelings. The public trusts me because I strive to approach every interaction with empathy and respect. I lead with compassion, something my faith continues to strengthen in me.
7. How does your role help advance the FDNY’s mission of public safety?
My role supports the FDNY mission of public service by combining safety, education and empathy. As a fire protection inspector, I help prevent tragedies before they occur by ensuring that buildings meet safety standards and that the public understands why those standards matter. But beyond the technical side, I believe public service is about how we treat people. I approach every interaction with patience and compassion, knowing that trust and understanding can make all the difference. In doing so, I not only help keep our city safe but also uphold the FDNY’s legacy of care, respect and dedication to the people of New York.