Laura joined the department in 2008 after receiving her Emergency Medical Technician certification. Over the next few years, she earned certifications as Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operator, Instructor I and Basic Life Support Provider (BLSP). As a BLSP, Lieutenant Katzif serves as an Attendant-in-Charge of patient care on the ambulance. In addition to staffing fire and EMS apparatus, she works with the Fire Prevention Committee and delivers fire safety education to school children and other groups in the community.Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Lieutenant Katzif moved to the Washington, DC area to attend George Washington University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication. After 5 years serving as protocol officer and emergency manager for Georgetown University, Laura is now back full time at George Washington University working towards a Master of Science in Systems Engineering with a focus in Crisis, Emergency and Risk Management.
Laura currently resides in Fairfax County with her black labrador retriever Jack.