Sophie Michael Honoured as Surrey’s Emergency Services Leader

Surrey firefighter Sophie Michael wins Emergency Services Leader of the Year for her dedication to mentorship, community service, and empowering young women.

From Paramedic to Firefighter: A Lifelong Calling

Sophie Michael’s journey in emergency services began as a paramedic in Merritt and the Lower Mainland. But her path was inspired long before she donned the firefighter’s uniform. Growing up in a family rooted in service—her father being a firefighter—Michael was naturally drawn to volunteering.

“I was always kind of doing volunteer events,” she recalls. “I came out to every single event I could, and that kind of instilled my passion for the career of a firefighter and why I loved volunteering so much.”

This dedication recently earned her the Emergency Services Leader of the Year award at the 2025 Surrey Now-Leader Community Leader Awards, sponsored by the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society.

Mentorship and Advocacy: Empowering the Next Generation

Beyond her firefighting duties, Michael actively serves on the board of the Fire Service Women of British Columbia as student director. She champions mentorship, equity, and inclusion in the fire service, helping break barriers for young women pursuing careers in emergency services.

One of her most impactful contributions is Camp Ignite, a summer program for girls in grades 11 and 12 interested in firefighting. Michael, who attended the camp herself in Grade 11, now inspires participants to see the many paths within the fire service.

“I aim to show young female firefighters that the job is for anyone,” Michael explains. “Even if someone isn’t physically strong for a front-line role, there’s dispatch, fire prevention, and many other areas to explore.”

Compassion, Resilience, and Leadership Recognized

Michael’s nominator highlighted her compassion, resilience, and leadership, which shine through in every role she undertakes. From hands-on emergency response to shaping the future of women in fire service, her impact resonates throughout Surrey’s community.

Through awards like the Community Leader Awards, Michael’s dedication reminds us all how passion, mentorship, and community involvement can create lasting change.

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