Firefighter Nicole Zanatta
Engine 159
1. Please introduce yourself—your name, your title and the year you joined the FDNY.
My name is Nicole Zanatta, and I joined the FDNY in December 2016. Becoming a firefighter has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.
2. Where are you currently assigned, and what are your main responsibilities?
I’m currently assigned to Engine 159 in Staten Island, a single engine company with a satellite unit. My main responsibility is to perform my duties as a firefighter to the best of my ability—whether it’s responding to fires, assisting in emergencies or supporting my crew in any capacity. In this role, teamwork and trust are everything. Every tour reminds me that no matter what challenges arise, we face them together and make sure the community we serve is safe.
3. What inspired you to choose a life of public service with the FDNY?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people, which has guided every career I’ve chosen. I started out as an EMT, then became a police officer and eventually a firefighter. Each step prepared me for this moment; serving with the FDNY is the culmination of everything I’ve ever wanted to do in public service. There’s no greater honor than putting on this uniform and knowing you have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life every single day.
4. Can you share one of your most memorable moments on the job?
One of my most memorable moments on the job was responding to a fire where my boss’s instincts got us first due. Based on that alone, I knew my now-captain made the right calls, and it made all the difference. We stretched a line and did what we were told, and everyone came out OK. It reminded me how strong the bond is between firefighters—we rely on each other completely. Those moments, where training meets instinct and heart, are what define this career and why I love what I do.
5. When you hear the words “We Are FDNY,” what does that mean to you?
When I hear “We Are FDNY,” it means unity. It means we are a family that stands together no matter what the situation is. It represents strength, loyalty and shared purpose. We all come from different backgrounds, but when that alarm goes off, we move as one. “We Are FDNY” is more than a slogan—it’s a promise to each other and to the people of New York.
6. What would you say is your “superpower”—a strength or skill you bring to your work?
My superpower is confidence and authenticity—I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m completely okay with that. I bring strength, resilience and pride in being able to carry my own weight. My crew knows they can count on me. I work hard and stay ready, and if there’s a problem, we face it together as a team. I believe that being yourself, standing tall and never backing down from a challenge are real superpowers in this job.
7. How does your role help advance the FDNY’s mission of public safety?
My role helps advance the FDNY’s mission of public safety by showing that being a firefighter isn’t about gender; it’s about heart, skill and dedication. I may have been chosen for this campaign because I’m a woman, but what truly matters is that I’m a firefighter who can do the job and do it well. I hope to inspire others to see that strength comes in many forms. At the end of the day, we are all firefighters, and that’s what counts.