At Summit Fire & Security, our people are at the core of everything we do. From hands-on technicians in the field to the teams supporting them, each individual plays a role in protecting lives and property every day.
We recently caught up with Jose Sanchez, a technician based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to learn more about his journey, his day-to-day work, and what keeps him motivated in the fire and life safety industry.
“Jose is exactly what every Suppression manager needs in his department. Always willing to put in the extra effort, take on any new jobs last minute and be an all around help when needed.”
— Michael Cannella, Fire Suppression Manager
Read on as Jose shares his journey as a Fire Suppression Technician at Summit Fire & Security.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in fire protection?
I got into the industry right out of high school. My sister was working at Fire Ranger at the time and suggested I give it a try. I started in the warehouse, working in the recharge room fixing fire extinguishers, and ended up really liking it. When Summit Fire & Security acquired Fire Ranger in 2018, I continued on from there and have been growing in the industry ever since.
What is your current role at Summit Fire & Security?
I’m a pre-engineered suppression system technician, but I mainly focus on fire extinguishers right now. I’m still learning more about the systems side, so I’m building my knowledge there over time.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day starts with checking my schedule and making sure I have all the equipment I need. From there, I’m usually out in the field, working on things like fire extinguisher recertifications, emergency light replacements, and inspections. I also do walkthroughs and estimates for new customers, which means evaluating a building and identifying what they need.
What types of buildings or projects do you typically work on?
A lot of high-rises and condos, especially here in Florida. I also work in large warehouses, places like Caterpillar or Ferguson. It really varies, which keeps things interesting.
How have you developed your skills in the industry?
A lot of it is learning on the job, reading codes, going through training materials, and getting hands-on experience when I can. I’ve also earned certifications like my ANSUL systems certification, my pre-engineered systems license, and my portable fire extinguisher license. Summit has also trained me on equipment like scissor lifts and forklifts.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I like that the environment is laid back but still encouraging. You’re given the opportunity to grow at your own pace, and there are always chances to learn something new. I’ve been able to keep building my skills and certifications since I started.
What stands out about your team?
A lot of us have been working together since the Fire Ranger days, so we’ve built strong relationships. It feels like working with family. Even though we’re usually out in the field on our own, we’re always just a phone call away if someone needs help.
Why is fire protection important to you?
Fire protection is important for everyone. It saves lives. Especially here in Florida, there’s always something going on, and fires can happen when you least expect it. Being part of preventing that and helping keep people safe is a big deal.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?
Don’t overthink it, just give it a shot. I didn’t know anything about fire extinguishers when I started, but once I got hands-on experience, I became more interested. It’s something you can learn over time, and it’s definitely worth it.
How has your experience been working at Summit?
I’ve really enjoyed it. Since Summit acquired Fire Ranger, there have been a lot of opportunities to grow. They never tell you that you can’t do something, they’re always encouraging you to keep learning and improving.
From learning the basics to building a long-term career, Jose’s journey is a great example of how opportunity, hands-on experience, and a supportive team can make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in building a career in fire and life safety, opportunities at Summit Fire & Security offer hands-on training, growth potential, and the chance to make a real impact every day.
Visit our careers page to learn more about opportunities at Summit Fire & Security.
