Simge Akbulut’s life took a dramatic turn when she and her family were trapped under the rubble during the Izmir earthquake three years ago. Rescued by her firefighter father and his team, this experience inspired her to become a firefighter herself. After passing the necessary exams, Simge joined the Edirne Municipality as a firefighter and later took the role of the Head of the Fire Department at Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.

On the day of the earthquake, she vividly recalls being stuck with her mother while her brother was trapped in another part of the collapsed building. Despite the harrowing experience, she never lost hope and decided to help others in similar situations. Her father, a Southern Regional Fire Chief, played a crucial role in their rescue.