Alexander Sakharov has been serving in the Rescue Service in Odesa for over eight years. His journey is a story of tough choices, invaluable experience, and unwavering faith in his vocation.
His adventures were shared on the official page of the State Emergency Service of Odesa region.
Alexander became a rescuer on the advice of a friend who was already in the service. He had witnessed the hard work of firefighters firsthand and wished to join their ranks.

Cool Head

Alexander recalls events that have shaped him as a professional. One of the most painful was a fire at a college in the city center. «I heard the cries of children, saw despair in their parents' eyes, and the loss of a fellow rescuer. I remember my adrenaline was off the charts. It was terrifying, but I composed myself and continued working. The operation lasted until late evening. Upon returning to the station, I still couldn’t calm down, reliving that day over and over. Experienced mentors told me that in our line of work, we must act with a cool head. We often face human sorrow, and therefore must not give in to emotions. They spoke with me for a long time, and I listened to their advice — their experience was invaluable,» the rescuer shared.

First Saved Life

The true realization that being a rescuer was his calling came during the extinguishing of a large hotel fire: «The fire engulfed three floors of the building, and people were pleading for help in panic. The temperature inside was so high that my helmet cracked on my head. We quickly localized the fire, and then I saw a man stuck between the cladding and the wall of the building. Every second counted. We pulled him out and handed him over to the medics. After that fire, I often recalled the face of that man. The thought that we managed to save a life warmed me inside. He was the first person I rescued personally. That was when I realized that being a rescuer was my true calling.» The gratitude expressed by those he saved, he adds, is the greatest motivation.

On Duty During Full-Scale War

On February 24, 2022, Alexander was on vacation, but upon hearing about the start of full-scale war, he immediately returned to duty. «I knew this was no time to rest. We had no idea what challenges we would face, but I was certain – we couldn’t relax, we couldn’t let emotions take over. During the war, there were many calls related to enemy attacks. The most painful realization was that human lives were at risk. But each time I hope these are just anxious thoughts,» the rescuer smiles.
He tries to shield his loved ones — wife and son — from the horrors of war, rarely discussing the difficulties at home. «I find peace in the arms of my wife and son,» our hero shared.