The LAFD Fire Commission is standing tall this week, honoring two of their bravest with Marine Corps glory. Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas Darcy and Firefighter David Arellano have both been upgraded to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant, a move endorsed by an act of Congress. The title of Master Gunnery Sergeant is no small feat; it's the top enlisted rank for Marines who have dedicated their careers to being technical specialists. according to the LAFD, these individuals serve as the key technical experts and extend leadership in their expertise to large Marine units.
Reaching the ranks of the Marine Corps elite is not for the faint of heart and certainly not a crowded club. Less than 1% of Marines will ever stand at the pinnacle as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Darcy and Arellano have not only reached this peak but have also made their mark with distinct honors—Darcy being one of just seven in his role of Infantry Master Gunnery Sergeant within the entire Marine Corps, while Arellano stands alone as the only Master Gunnery Sergeant in his field.
The rarity of the accomplishment cannot be overstated, as there are less than 50 Master Gunnery Sergeants in the entire corps. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s pride in boasting two such distinguished members is palpable. Their exceptional achievement in military service was enough to call for a special acknowledgment from the Fire Commission, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department's website.
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Los Angeles City Fire Commission took the opportunity to publicly honor these two members, recognizing them not just as part of LA's first line of defense against fire and calamity but as embodiments of the courage and dedication that seamlessly transfer from service of country to service of community.
