A Profile of Veronica

Veronica Sanchez is a dynamic figure in the field of fire safety, breaking barriers as a woman in facilities management. Eleven years ago, she shifted from routine office work to a career she never imagined, sparked by a government apprenticeship posting for a fire inspector position that included paid training. Despite discouragement from her interviewer, who even tried to talk her out of it, Veronica pushed through the physical test—unique to her as the only woman—where she had to pull and push 75 lbs. of weight. Other candidates didn’t face the same challenge, with many unaware there was even a fitness test.

Now a seasoned fire safety inspector with Mountain Alarm, Veronica’s day-to-day work involves a range of tasks, from alarm inspections to backflow systems and kitchen hoods. She’s part of a team that tackles inspections for large facilities, often handling what would be a one-person job elsewhere with the support of four others. Her work is far from monotonous, involving detailed reporting, and sharing results with fire marshals for further action. A key part of her job is identifying deficiencies that could cost lives, ensuring that systems like smoke detectors are fully operational. She thrives on the problem-solving nature of her role.

“What really gets me excited each morning is the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a job well done. Knowing that I’m making a tangible impact, solving real problems, and that no two days are ever the same keeps me motivated. It’s also rewarding to know that what I do plays a part in keeping people safe and things running smoothly,” said Veronica.

Veronica holds numerous certifications, including specialized training for kitchen hoods, an area of expertise she pursued despite her parents’ wishes for her to go to college. While she didn’t follow the traditional degree route, she’s found fulfillment in her career. Continuous learning remains one of her favorite aspects of the job, and she’s grateful for the compensation and opportunities available to her without needing a college degree.

One of the most exciting parts of her job is the access it provides. Veronica conducts inspections in a wide range of environments, from large businesses to prisons, getting a behind-the-scenes look at different industries. Her flexibility and autonomy allow her to take her work truck home and avoid the office almost entirely, which suits her well. Her days vary, from handling one large inspection to checking several smaller locations. Each day brings something different, whether it's training new technicians or testing thousands of unseen devices like smoke detectors.

Veronica comes from a Filipino background and was raised in Ogden, Utah. Her background was filled with odd jobs, but she’s now thriving in her field, having recently purchased a home. In her spare time, she’s an avid pickleball player, competing in tournaments three to four times a week with a regular partner. She loves the mental challenge the sport offers, finding it a perfect balance to her work.

As for the future, Veronica sees the industry moving towards more self-testing systems, which could reduce the need for manual inspections but also lessen human interaction—something she still values. She’s interested in possibly transitioning to the sales side of fire safety while maintaining an active role in operations. Currently, she’s focused on training the next generation, mentoring three technicians, and emphasizing the importance of life safety.

“I always tell my trainees to take their time. There’s no need to rush through tasks,” she said.

Veronica’s work is critical, especially in a state like Utah, where wildfires often trigger fire systems. She oversees major accounts like Intermountain Health, which operates 30 hospitals, as well as schools and hotels. Her commitment to fire safety is clear: for Veronica, every day on the job is about protecting lives, and she’s not cutting any corners.

“Fire safety is a fantastic field to pursue providing complementary and essential service for facility management teams,” said Veronica. “You get to see what’s happening behind the scenes in a wide variety of workplaces. There’s always a surprise. You’re constantly moving and consistently learning.”