On December 25, 2018, at the age of 21, Natalie Nicole Dempsey made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In the early hours of Christmas morning, Natalie lost control of her car on the way to her firehouse after receiving the call for a structure fire. Natalie was born December 2, 1997, to Christopher Sr. and Stacey Dempsey. She is survived by her parents; her brothers, Jesus, Brendon, and Christopher Jr; her beloved boyfriend, Andy Wilbert; and her three fur babies, Duchess, Sammi, and Zena. She is also survived by her loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Natalie attended Hutto High School in Hutto, Texas. During high school, she played the drums in marching band and was part of the media club. She loved videoing the football games and running the Jumbotron at all the home games. Natalie graduated from Hutto High School in 2016. After graduation, her family moved back home to New Jersey to be closer to family. This is where Natalie chose to become a volunteer firefighter with the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company. In 2018, Natalie was nominated and voted in as vice president of the firehouse. It’s at the firehouse that Natalie found her second family and her passion for helping others.
In Summer of 2018, Natalie began her pursuit of becoming a police officer. She worked very hard to accomplish this goal and had recently taken the police physical exam test. Natalie’s ultimate goal in life was to become a K9 police officer.
Natalie’s passion for others also included helping animals. She was employed as a supervisor at the Atlantic County Humane Society. She loved all the staff and especially loved helping find forever homes for the many animals she cared for.
Natalie brought her sense of humor, bright smile, and dance moves wherever she would go. Her smile lit up the room. She knew every word to her favorite song, “Ice Ice Baby.” If you had a bad day, she would say, “It’s nothing a little Ice Ice Baby can’t fix.” She always saw the bright side of life and could turn a room into laughter at any moment. If you were lucky enough to call her your friend, she loved you deeply and without judgement.
Natalie will be forever missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Although we never met, there’s a connection via the brotherhood known as the Fire Service. I had the pleasure of dining with your mother at the most recent NFFF Winter Retreat (2023). Your mother was and is very proud of you for sure. This very picture was made into an ornament for your family to cherish always. I know the Holidays are difficult for all Hero families, I pray your family remembers all the good times and selfless service. Son-In-Law of fallen hero Michael R. Powers, MD 6/25/2019.
– Brendan Beaton