NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — FDNY firefighter Joann Diaz on Wednesday was formally promoted to lieutenant, making her the first-ever Latina to hold that rank in the 156-year history of the department.
"It's a proud moment, not only for myself, it's a proud moment for my people," said Diaz after her promotion.
The 43-year-old began her career with the FDNY in September 2003 and remembered being the only Hispanic woman at her Bronx firehouse.
Diaz noted that she felt "lucky" to receive the promotion and hopes that she can inspire other women within the department.
"I hope that me being here today inspires other women, as well as Latinas, to do the same," she said.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro congratulated Diaz for her hard work over the years and said she has been an example to many.
"I think women in this department have been proving themselves for many, many years and now we have a Latina lieutenant in the department who's been putting out fires in the Bronx for many years," Nigro said.
The commissioner added that the department is trying to do better to make sure women feel included in the FDNY.
"I know we're moving slowly when it comes to women in the department but each and every one that's worked before Joann, or the current group of women in the department, have proven this is not just a job for men," he said.
Diaz said she has been inspired by the song "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" from the musical "Annie Get Your Gun," which she saw as a child, her entire life and grew up admiring women who defied the odds.
She added that she has always felt she was destined to do the same.
