Who is Paula Albert?
Albert has been a volunteer fire fighter with the Sooke Fire Department for about a year. The mother of four is one of only two female fire fighters at the department.
As a young girl, Albert had always wanted to be a fire fighter. Now, with her kids grown, Albert has seized the opportunity to join the field of protective services.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.”
One of the things Albert would like people to know is the camaraderie that exists within the station.
“It’s a fantastic family atmosphere, I feel like I have about 20 other brothers.”
What brought you to Sooke?
“It’s always somewhere that we’ve liked, my husband and I. We’re from Ontario. He got a job with the government and we just packed our kids and our stuff and moved.”
What do you like most about Sooke?
“You go to the grocery store and you know everybody almost, and it’s beautiful here.”
What is your favourite saying?
“Everything happens for a reason. Even during terrible times, you realize it happens for a reason.”
When the well runs dry, how do you recharge?
“I spend time with my family and we hike. And I run and cycle.”
What/who is your strongest influence?
“My family… they’re just the most important people to me.”
The world would be a vastly better place if only people would...
“Get along with each other.”
Accomplishments you are proud of?
“Becoming a fire fighter, raising four children.”
No one is better than me at...
“Being positive, being happy and being friendly.”
I just can’t get the hang of...
“Doing knots.”
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
“My dad… he lives in Ontario.”
If you couldn’t do what you are doing, what would you do?
“I wouldn’t change (anything). I’m a vet assistant…I really like helping people and things, so that’s really good for me.”
What do you do for kicks?
“Run, cycle, spend time with the family. That’s probably it.”
The Sooke News Mirror will be profiling area volunteer fire fighters, to let the community know who they are and why we’re proud to have them in our midst.