Nica Vasquez has 15 years of experience working in the service as a Fire Apparatus Engineer for CAL FIRE. As an engineer, Nica's responsible for driving and maintaining the fire engine and other heavy fire apparatus and equipment.

On scene at fires, Nica operates the water pump and makes sure her crew gets water on the flames at the correct pressure. She also performs traditional firefighting duties, such as fire suppression, auto-extrications and medical aids.

Born in Colton, California, Nica was raised in a family of self-reliant women and was taught that females should be strong and independent. She had her own daughter, Alyssa, when she was 16 years old and was determined to become a positive female role model for her. Nica already has close ties to the fire service - her father was a firefighter so when Alyssa was 8 years old, Nica made the difficult decision to leave her daughter behind and enroll in the Fire Academy in Northern California.

Ever since then, Nica has served the community as an experienced engineer and a prominent member of the Honor Guard – the division of CAL FIRE that assists the families of fallen firefighters. She is currently stationed in Riverside County, California.