Chief Tracy L. Sanders, 44 years old, was a lifelong resident of Ohatchee, Alabama. She graduated from Ohatchee High School and then obtained her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. Tracy enjoyed reading and art.
Tracy entered public service as a dispatcher for a local police department where she worked for several years. She left this job shortly after her second daughter’s birth. Her passion to serve the community remained, and she found her true calling after setting the family farm on fire. The Mount Olive Volunteer Fire Department responded, putting out the few acres of pasture that had burned. Shortly after this, she and her husband became members, eventually leading to both daughters also joining the department.
Tracy shared a love and true passion for the fire service that only its brotherhood can understand. She rose through the ranks at Mount Olive Volunteer Fire Department, where she became chief of the department. She believed training and education couldn’t be over-utilized. She led this thought through example and completed numerous training courses, becoming a certified firefighter, fire instructor, and advanced EMT. Our department followed her example and had more members obtain certifications in the fire and medical fields than ever before. She truly brought our department to a new level of response.
Tracy’s love of the fire service was only surpassed by her love for her two daughters, Shelby and Raegan, and her granddaughter, Baila. Seeing them happy, healthy, and growing up in the world was true happiness for her. Success and happiness for them brought peace to her heart. Family was precious to Tracy; she called her mother daily to chat and just say goodnight.
Chief Tracy Sanders will be missed by the Mount Olive Volunteer Fire Department. Her wisdom will remain for decades as those who have dug deeper, reached heights thought to be unachievable, and followed the path she established carry on its service. Rest easy, hero; they have the watch from here!
Life without Tracy will never be the same for her family. She will be missed dearly for all our days! The many memories of times past we will carry until we meet again!
Memorial Wall