Nichol Elaine “Nikki” Imm was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 24, 1974. It was the best birthday present her mother, Gail Imm, ever received. In 1980, the family—parents Nick and Gail and daughters, Adelle and Nikki, moved to Arizona. From a young age, Nikki was involved with competitive swimming and track and field. In junior high and high school, she won many awards. Unfortunately, a quad accident left Nikki with a severely fractured arm and ended her competitive athletic career.
Nikki began college at Yavapai Community College in Prescott, Arizona, before transferring to Arizona State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Throughout her college years, a burning desire to become a firefighter began to grow.
In 1999, Nikki began working for Southwest Ambulance and directing everything in her life towards getting hired as a firefighter. In August 2000, she was hired as one of the first three pre-recruits, a new position created by the Mesa Fire Department. During the next year, she helped develop the department SOPs for the pre-recruit position. In August 2001, she graduated from firefighter recruit academy and began her dream career as a Mesa firefighter.
Nikki’s friendship with Tim Sullivan, also a member of the Mesa Fire Department, grew over the years, and they were married in March 2007. In September 2012, they welcomed their daughter, Abigayle, into their lives.
In 2014, Nikki was given the crushing news that she had breast cancer. She battled cancer for five years, believing all along that somehow, she would beat it and God would deliver her a miracle. Nikki’s strength and courage through her battle with cancer will be a source of inspiration for her daughter and stepchildren, as well as all of her friends and family.
She was an amazing woman, and she will never be forgotten.
Nikki will always be apart of our family. Both as a firefighter and close family friend. I was always amazed at her strength and determination. Its been heart wrenching to lose her but I know she is at peace and will always be with me.
– Charlene CrandallThank you for your service, dedication and strength.
Charlene