When tragedy struck, Sacramento Fire Department Arson Investigator Misty Cole did what she has always done best: she kept moving forward and kept serving others. 

For Cole, fire has always represented more than a career. It has been a source of strength, discipline, and purpose through every challenge life has brought her. 

“I’ve always been the kind of person who doesn’t like being told I can’t do something,” Cole said. “If someone says I can’t, I’ll do it just to prove them wrong.” 

Cole joined the Sacramento Fire Department in 2004 as a paramedic intern and later advanced to the Arson Investigation Unit. Born in Long Beach, she was inspired by her grandfather’s service as a Marine and followed his example by joining the Marine Corps before beginning her career in fire service. 

When Cole lost her husband, that strength was tested in ways she never expected. “He supported everything I ever did. He was always so proud of me,” she said in the department’s new I Am Sacramento Fire video. “The one thing I’ve been trained to do is save people, and I wasn’t able to save him. But I’m going to cherish every good and bad portion of it. 

Even in her grief, Cole found meaning in continuing to help others. Not long after her husband’s passing, she stopped to assist a man whose wife had lost consciousness in their car. She performed CPR and helped save the woman’s life. 

Cole also continues to honor her husband’s memory through their shared love of BMX. She now travels with her granddaughter, who competes in the sport, keeping his spirit alive through something they both cherished. 

Watch Cole’s story here, as part of the Sacramento Fire Department’s ongoing “I Am Sacramento Fire” video series: