The Journey of Alexander: A Rescuer with a Big Heart

Alexander Sakharov has been serving in the rescue service in Odesa for more than eight years. His story — a testament to difficult choices, invaluable experience, and unwavering faith in his calling.
His story was featured on the official page of the State Emergency Service in the Odesa region.
He joined the ranks of rescuers at the suggestion of a friend who was already serving in the unit. He witnessed the tough work of firefighters and dreamed of becoming one of them.

Cool Head

Alexander Sakharov recalls events that shaped him as a professional. One of the most painful moments was a fire at a college in the city center. «The screams of children, despair in the eyes of their parents, the loss of a fellow rescuer… I remember how the adrenaline was through the roof. It was terrifying, but I gathered myself and continued to work. The operation lasted until late evening. When I returned to the station, I still couldn’t calm down — reliving the day’s events over and over. The senior mentors told me that in our job, we must act with a cool head. We often confront human sorrow, so we cannot give in to emotions. They talked to me for a long time, and I listened to their advice — their experience was priceless», the rescuer shared.

First Life Saved

The true realization that being a rescuer was his calling came during 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. We quickly managed to contain the fire, and then I saw a man trapped 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 from within. He was the first person I personally saved. That was when I realized that being a rescuer was my true calling». He adds that the words of gratitude from the saved individuals are the best motivation.

On Duty During the Full-Scale War

On February 24, 2022, Alexander was on vacation, but upon hearing about the onset of full-scale war, he immediately returned to duty. «I understood that this was not the time for rest. At that moment, we did not know what challenges we would face, but I was sure – we couldn’t relax, we couldn’t let our emotions take over. During the war, there were many calls related to enemy attacks. The most painful thing is realizing that human lives are at risk. But every time I hope that these are just anxious thoughts», the rescuer smiles.
He tries to shield his family — his wife and son — from the horrors of war, rarely discussing the difficulties at home. «I find peace in the embrace of my wife and son», our hero shared.