“She called me her hero. Moments like that remind me how the community sees us – as heroes who save the day – even when we don’t see it in ourselves.”

Most people picture firefighters racing to emergencies. But for Sara, much of the important work happens beyond the sirens – organizing fundraisers, teaching fire prevention and building a department that feels like family.

She joined the fire service in 2010 after a ride-along inspired a new and interesting career path – and by 2015 found her home at Hygiene. Over the years, Sara has balanced firefighting with raising two sons, often taking night shifts so she could still manage school drop offs, dinner and sports practices. Though she no longer responds to emergency calls, her role remains critical – overseeing Fire Prevention Month, coordinating the Pancake Supper, supporting the farm-to-table fundraiser and working hard to keep the station connected to our community.

While she laughs at being called a “hero,” one story sticks with her, even today. A young woman working at a convenience store once recognized Sara as a firefighter who responded to her car accident. “She said I was her hero and insisted my drink would always be on the house,” Sara remembers. “That’s how the community sees us – as heroes who save the day – even when we don’t necessarily see it in ourselves.”