From Fire Calls to Family Time: A Mother’s Journey in Volunteer Firefighting

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By Tammy Leytham

Sandra Sokol's first introduction to fire service came via the 1970s TV Show "Emergency." Told as a child that "girls could not be firefighters," Sokol's journey through motherhood, a career, and even a divorce didn't deter her from shattering those early stereotypes.

 It was during her junior year of college that she got her first taste of the fire service. She joined her college's local fire department as a live-in member on campus, an opportunity that sparked her enduring commitment to the fire service.

 After graduating, Sokol moved states but continued her involvement with volunteer fire departments, progressively deepening her engagement with each move. Sokol recalls, "It was around this time I started my EMS certification journey. I got certified as an EMT and then moved again, and, yes, joined another volunteer fire department. I quickly became very involved as an EMS provider and then took my first formal fire classes."

 Today, Sokol holds the rank of assistant fire chief in one of two northern Virginia departments where she volunteers, marking her as the first woman to achieve this rank in the department's 50-year history. She also serves as captain and president of a rural/suburban volunteer fire company.

 Sokol attests that being a mother has made her more empathetic to parents she encounters on calls. “… I understand how it is to be a mom and have those feelings of stress, excitement, terror when your child is sick or hurt," she said. "I was [also] able to handle the stress and chaos of being a mom better because I was a firefighter," Sokol shared. "I knew how precious life was, so I made sure I enjoyed and cherished every single minute I got with my son growing up and even now as an adult. He is my single greatest achievement in life."

 Beyond the firehouse, Sandra dedicated over a decade to directing a high school program for aspiring EMTs and firefighters, passing on her knowledge to the next generation. Recently retired from her career as a special education teacher, she is now a curriculum instructional designer for a corporation.

 During a Q&A with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Sokol reflected on her career, emphasizing the importance of persistence, training, and listening to experienced firefighters. Her advice to those starting in the fire service: "Train, train, train. When things go sideways, it is your training and instincts that will keep you alive."

 Sokol encourages other mothers to consider volunteer firefighting. "When you join the fire service, you truly do join a family…[something] that is so much bigger than you," she remarked.

 To discover more about volunteer firefighting or to find opportunities in your area, visit https://makemeafirefighter.org.