Today I sat with a true legend of the FDNY. Retired FIREMAN out of L-30 The Harlem Zoo, KEITH “Nic” NICOLIELLO. I had the pleasure of working with Nic for 17 years while I was assigned to 59 Engine. Nic’s experience and work ethic are second to none. His tough demeanor on junior guys, is to train them and keep up the traditions of the job and to be the best Fireman they can be. From his street, drills to the fire floor, he commanded respect whenever he was around. If he was talking, you were listening. Nic started in the Belleville NJFD Aux, at the age of 17. He was hired by the North Bergen FD in 1977, where he was assigned to E-4, until 1980. He was hired by the FDNY in 1980, and assigned to E-3 out of Proby school. He transferred to E-59, The Harlem Zoo, in 1981, where he worked until 1983, he then transferred across the floor to L-30, and worked there up until his retirement in 2020. Nic truly is one of a kind, to know him and learn from him was a pleasure. When I was a welder in the navy, I was once told by a 1st class petty officer, that you only meet a couple of people in a lifetime, who are that good at their craft. Keith is one of those guys. I hope you guys enjoy this interview. I know I did!
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