Los Angeles Fire Department's Veteran Nicholas Darcy
Master Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas Darcy, a longtime member of both the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Los Angeles Fire Department, is marking nearly 24 years of military service while continuing his career as an LAFD firefighter-paramedic. Darcy currently serves with the department’s Urban Search and Rescue Disaster Response Section and has been with LAFD since 2007.
Darcy grew up in Castaic and enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18, serving five years on active duty before joining the reserves. His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he conducted convoy missions, protective details for diplomats and military leadership, and ship boardings in coordination with multiple branches of the U.S. military.
Reflecting on his deployment experiences, Darcy said they strengthened his appreciation for the military and reinforced his commitment to public service. He noted strong parallels between the Marine Corps and firefighting, especially in teamwork, leadership, and learning from the experience of others. According to Darcy, the support of the Los Angeles Fire Department has been essential in allowing him to continue serving in both roles.
Veterans Day carries personal significance for Darcy, whose grandfather was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He acknowledged the shifting ways veterans have been recognized throughout U.S. history and encouraged the public to show appreciation for those who have served, particularly older veterans who may not have received recognition in past eras.
Darcy said honoring previous generations of service members—and teaching that respect to his children—remains an important part of how he observes the holiday.
#LAFD
Darcy grew up in Castaic and enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18, serving five years on active duty before joining the reserves. His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he conducted convoy missions, protective details for diplomats and military leadership, and ship boardings in coordination with multiple branches of the U.S. military.
Reflecting on his deployment experiences, Darcy said they strengthened his appreciation for the military and reinforced his commitment to public service. He noted strong parallels between the Marine Corps and firefighting, especially in teamwork, leadership, and learning from the experience of others. According to Darcy, the support of the Los Angeles Fire Department has been essential in allowing him to continue serving in both roles.
Veterans Day carries personal significance for Darcy, whose grandfather was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He acknowledged the shifting ways veterans have been recognized throughout U.S. history and encouraged the public to show appreciation for those who have served, particularly older veterans who may not have received recognition in past eras.
Darcy said honoring previous generations of service members—and teaching that respect to his children—remains an important part of how he observes the holiday.
#LAFD